Steven Kyle Buckingham passed away on January 16, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Hospital at the age of 38. Steven was born in 1984 to Ronald and Debra Buckingham. Steven quickly became a big brother to Laura when he was 18 months old. He was a dedicated big brother and truly looked after his little sister. Unfortunately the parents divorced and Steven and his sister moved to many new homes.

Steven was fortunate enough to move to Eureka from Florida in 1999, when he started into Eureka High school. He graduated from Eureka High in 2003. Steven was always very active outside and looked forward to hiking, camping and fishing. Sometimes mischievous, his thinking outside the box landed him in trouble a couple times but definitely earned him life long friends. It was during his high school years that Steven began dating Julianna Breen. She would become his first wife later. Steve was always into his cars and proudly had a Mustang that he enjoyed driving his friends in.

Steven joined the Navy out of the Eureka recruiter office and became a Navy Corps Corpsman in 2003, spending his time attached to Marine Corps units in Iraq, Afghanistan and across various waters and continents. His natural leadership and likability has left many of his friends and family in tremendous grief as his death was too very soon and unexpected. Steven finished his tours in 2011 and returned home to Eureka. Steven was employed at the local VA office and very involved with veteran affairs, like placing flags on the vets headstones on Memorial days. Steve was also involved in many other groups and organizations. He met many friends while he was active in his fitness journey between CrossFit classes, Spartan races, and boxing. He enthusiastically joined the local Masonic lodge #79 in 2019. He was dedicated to their weekly meetings and community outreach programs. Steve was well known for his friendly, energetic conversations and being a trustworthy network amongst friends. Steve was the “Hey, I know a guy” person and would actually get you connected!

Steven leaves behind his 9 month old daughter Stephanie, 9 year old step-son Jayden, and 13 year old daughter Alexis. Steven was an excellent father, very dedicated to his children. He would beam with pride when telling of his daughter Alexis’ cheer competitions, volleyball games and track tournaments. His very active/ involved baby could finally rest her eyes on daddy’s chest and let herself have some sleep. Steven leaves behind his new bride Danielle Buckingham, 33, of Eureka. They met training for Spartan races and their enjoyment of being outside hiking, attending church services, and planning a life together was the cement of their too short relationship. They had just married in December of 2021.

Steven leaves behind his father Ronald Buckingham of Pleasanton Iowa. Steve was fortunate enough to spend some summers with his Dad in Iowa where he held a job as a corn picker and learned to drive on a farm. Steven leaves behind his sister Laura Buckingham, 36 of Tennessee. They had served together and Laura is a USMC veteran. Many friends in Eureka are now left without their passionate, selfless, energetic and fun loving buddy who always wanted to help a friend in need.

Services are open: Thursday, February 16, 10:30 at Oceanview Cemetery (3975 Broadway, Eureka) including an Honor Guard presentation. We will then proceed to Faith Center Foursquare Church (1032 Bay St., Myrtletown) at noon. Some of Steven’s artwork and memorabilia will be on display at the Church. A potluck luncheon will follow as the Memorial service will blossom into a Celebration of Life and friends wishing to tell tales of Steve are encouraged to join. This location will be announced at the Foursquare Church.

Steven’s tragic death will not be forgotten. His relentless dedication to the government and community will be honored. The family request all his friends to attend as a remembrance that Steven was in fact not alone. In lieu of flowers, plants that can be re planted or small fruit tree that can be planted in the backyard that Steve spent hours pruning, hedging and mowing. For a more unique dedication or gift in Steven’s honor anyone with time to help promote suicide prevention and awareness would be most appreciated.

A special thank you to Ming Tree, Masonic Lodge and local friends for their awesome support to Steven’s widow and their children.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Steven Buckingham’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.