Martin G. "Gabe" Buckler

Martin "Gabe" Buckler, age 67, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2015. Gabe was born in Louisville to George & Barbara Buckler and was one of 10 children. He grew up in Meade County, Kentucky, and graduated from Flaherty High School. Preceded in death by his parents and 4 siblings (Judy, Bill, Roger, & Denny); Gabe is survived by his devoted partner and caretaker of many years, Nancy Long. Gabe has three children: Adam (Cindy), Jason (Jenn), and Sara (Jeremy). He is also survived by 5 siblings (Don, Jerry, Tony, Mike, & Theresa) and three grandchildren (William, Courtney, & Jackson) and was excited to know that his 4th grandchild is due in February. Gabe moved to Atlanta many years ago and worked for IBM as an Education and Training Manager for more than 28 years and then extended his employment with them for several years as an IBM contract services provider. He enjoyed his work and was active until a week before his passing. An avid baseball and football fan all his life he had recently become extremely fond of watching golf as well. He supported his beloved Atlanta Braves - even during the hard times, and loved the Georgia Bulldogs - even though he was born a "Kentucky Boy". Gabe loved life and was famous for his skills with a pig cooker. He hosted many pig roasts for any and all occasions; knew his way around the kitchen and the grill; and took pride in being the consummate entertainer! Friday night happy hour for friends and neighbors included neighborhood kids for popsicles, juice and pretzels. And, for Gabe, they were VERY well behaved and minded their manners. Gabe loved country music and Christian music and made sure the truck radio buttons were set for one or the other. He played guitar in his church when he was able and frequently had friends over to "Pick & Play." Among the things he enjoyed were camping and being outdoors; loving his memories of the days of growing up on the family farm; and helping his horse riding friends with endurance rides whenever he could. A devout Catholic; he loved his Lord and was committed to the promise of a life 'after' that included an ease in breathing and an eternity of being at peace. He felt immensely fortunate and grateful for the love and friendship he was so generously given and he gave it back. Everybody loved "Gabe here" and he will have a place in so many hearts forever. To honor Gabe, a gathering is scheduled at 1:30 p.m. on October 3, 2015 at the Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta, Ga. A funeral mass will follow at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers; expressions of sympathy and remembrance can be directed to Transfiguration Catholic Church, 1815 Blackwell Rd., Marietta, Ga. 30066 or The American Lung Association, 2452 Spring Rd. SE, Smyrna, Ga. 30080.

Martin G. "Gabe" Buckler

August 13, 1948 - September 16, 2015