05/21/2026
We are saddened to share the passing of Thomas S. 'Chief' Bucklin, a veteran of Lake County Honor Flight Trip #6. Thomas, age 94, passed away on May 18, 2026.
Thomas was a proud Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran who enlisted in 1952. He trained at the 39th Air Police School and served with the 80th Second Air Police Squadron, ultimately being deployed to Gainsborough, England, where he helped protect aircraft during the Korean War. Staff Sergeant Bucklin earned the National Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal before receiving his honorable discharge in 1960.
Thomas carried his sense of service well beyond his military career. He founded Glenbrook Patrol Services in 1959, growing it over 52 years into a thriving security company that employed thousands in the Glenview and Northbrook communities. In 2002, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Illinois Security Chiefs. He was also a devoted member of the American Legion Post 166 and the Kiwanis and Optimist Clubs of Glenview. In 2016, Thomas had the honor of joining us on Lake County Honor Flight Trip #6, traveling to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to our nation's veterans. In 2024, he was recognized as one of the Village of Glenview's Home Town Heroes.
Our board member and Trip #6 guardian Linda Rockwell shared this about her dear friend: "I was amazed to realize it had been 10 years ago this month we went on our Honor Flight together. I'm grateful for the friendship we enjoyed after sharing that experience. I'm going to miss him."
Our condolences go out to the Bucklin family.
Obituary: https://www.donnellanfuneral.com/obituaries/Thomas-Slater-Bucklin?obId=48451027
