Rev. Mark Anthony Buckner

Rev. Mark Anthony Buckner, 65, of Owensboro, passed away Friday, April 26, 2024. He was born in Owensboro on December 29, 1958. He completed his elementary schooling at Highland Elementary School and his secondary education at Daviess County High School. He then attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and went on to Cardinal Stritch University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies in 1999. Subsequently, he pursued further theological studies at Sacred Heart School of Theology, receiving a Master of Divinity degree in 2002.

Rev. Mark Buckner was ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Owensboro by the Most Reverend John J. McRaith on May 5, 2002. His first assignment was as an associate pastor at Holy Spirit Parish in Bowling Green from 2002 to 2003. During that time, he also served as vice chair of the Bowling Green/Warren County Ministerial Association and on the Citizen Advisory Board for Bowling Green, holding these positions until 2004. He then moved to serve as associate pastor at Blessed Mother Parish in Owensboro from 2003 to 2004. In 2004, he assumed his first role as pastor at St. Pius X Parish in Calvert City, where he remained until 2007, while there he also served as chaplain at the Kentucky State Penitentiary in Eddyville and Western Kentucky Correctional Complex in Fredonia. From 2007 to 2009, Rev. Buckner assisted at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Grand Rivers, then led at St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Sorgho from 2009 to 2016 and then at St. Elizabeth Parish in Curdsville from 2016 to 2017. In the final years of his life, starting in 2017, Rev. Buckner served as pastor of St. Anthony Parish in Browns Valley. 

Additionally, he served as a chaplain for the Christian Women’s Organization, the Owensboro Police Department, and the Owensboro Council of Labor. Throughout his career, he also held multiple terms as Dean. 

Rev. Buckner was passionate about travel, exploring numerous countries globally and traversing the United States. He enjoyed observing nature, frequently while hiking through various landscapes. A gardening enthusiast, he preserved vegetables from his garden to share with family and friends. Additionally, he took pleasure in cooking and reading. Rev. Buckner cherished life and loved sharing his experiences with his family and friends, especially his nephew, niece, and their families. He was also a devoted fan of Kentucky basketball and football.

Those left to cherish his memory include his parents, Claudine and Joseph “Bennie” Blandford; sister, Cindy L. Roberston and her husband Bryan; nephew, Eric Roberston and his wife Sarah; niece, Jamie Potter and her husband Ryan; great-nephews, Karson and Adler; and great-nieces, Emersyn, Sophia, and Gracen.

Rev. Buckner’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at St. Stephen Cathedral with the Most Reverend William F. Medley, Bishop of the Diocese of Owensboro, presiding. Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm Monday, April 29, 2024, at St. Stephen Cathedral, with a prayer service beginning at 6:00 pm. Visitation will also be held from 9:00 am until the time of Mass Tuesday at St. Stephen Cathedral. Interment will follow the Mass at St. Ann Chapel in Resurrection Cemetery.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be live-streamed. Please visit https://ststephencathedral.org and click the link in the top right corner.

Care by Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to St. Anthony Catholic Church, 261 St. Anthony Road, Utica, KY 42376, or the Carmel Home, 2501 Old Hartford Road, Owensboro, KY 42303.

Memories and messages of condolence for the family of Rev. Mark Buckner may be offered online at www.glennfuneralhome.com