LOUIS MERRILL BUCKLER's Obituary
Louis “Louie” Merrill Buckler, 86, of Charlotte Hall, MD, passed away on April 3, 2026, peacefully and at home with his loving wife by his side. On October 15, 1939, Louie was born at home in Dubois, Maryland, to the late Joseph Gwynn and Dorothy Marion (Wood) Buckler. As a small child, Louis' family moved from Charles to St. Mary’s County, living in New Market and later settling down in Oraville.
After graduating from Margaret Brent High School in 1958, Louie enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Military Policeman, based out of Langley, VA. He was proud to be selected to serve in the honor guard for General Douglas MacArthur’s funeral. He enjoyed traveling the country and abroad, stationed in Florida during the Cuban Missile Crisis and Southeast Asia, during his tour in Thailand. Later, Louie began work as a power plant operator for PEPCO. For 32 years, his dedication and expertise made him a respected figure amongst his colleagues. Once retired, Louie took on a new job with the Chamber of Commerce for St. Mary's County at the former Charlotte Hall Visitors Center, educating many people on the history of Southern Maryland.
On February 15, 1969, Louie married the love of his life, Janet Lee Asher. They were blessed with two sons, Louis Nicholas Page Buckler of PA, and Andrew Jeff Jeffrey Windsor Buckler of Charlotte Hall, MD. Louie took great pride and joy in being a father and spending time with his sons and later his grandchildren, especially once they were old enough to take part in history discussions and properly enjoy classical operas.
Singing was more than a passion for Louie, with a beautiful voice and an accent as unique as he. Starting at age 13, and for over 50 years, Louie performed as a highly sought-after and respected singer at many weddings, funerals, and community functions, with “Ave Maria” being one of his most requested songs. Louie also took great pride in being a member of the Dr. Mudd House Museum, where he spent more than 20 years as a tour guide and curator; as well as being a member of the Margaret Brent High School Alumni Association, where he served for 2 years as president. Louie had many passions. In his free time, he delighted in studying history and exploring historical locations; watching classic films, playing pitch, and going to dances. He was an exquisite dancer. He enjoyed attending and participating in the theater, helping to found the St. Mary’s Community Theatre in the 70’s with Janet and a group of others. A man of many joys, he also loved playing bingo, researching genealogy, sunbathing, gardening, and hunting for good antiques at auctions and thrift stores. Louie tried to enjoy his life to the fullest.
Louie was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Dorothy Bebe Buckler of Landover, MD; James Oscar Buckler; Howard Allan Buckler; and Charles Maurice Buckler, all of Mechanicsville. He is survived by his cherished wife of 57 years, Janet, sons Page and Jeff with his wife Elizabeth, and his closest sibling, Gwendolyn Faye Johnson of Mechanicsville, MD. Additionally, he leaves behind his grandchildren: Robert Tompkins, Samantha (Steve) Haering, Nicholas Buckler, Donovan (Kara) Buckler, Layla (Allan) Owens, and Joshua Buckler, one great-grandchild, Amelia Haering; along with many special nephews and nieces, cousins, family, and friends.
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the family will receive friends for the visitation from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Brinsfield Funeral Home, 30195 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622. The following day, a funeral service will begin at 10:00 am also at the funeral home with interment following after the service at Trinity Memorial Gardens, 3221 Mattawoman Beantown Rd, Waldorf, MD 20601. A luncheon will immediately follow at the Moose Lodge in Mechanicsville, MD.
Paulbearers: George Buckler, Norman Carrick III, Samantha Haering, Joshua Buckler, Christian Johnson & Don Hammerlund.
Honorary Paulbearers: Donovan Buckler (US Navy, Currently Deployed), JD Shoemaker
Condolences may be made to the family at https://www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s County in memory of Louis Buckler at P.O.Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650 or https://www.medstarhealth.org/locations/hospice-of-st-marys.
Arrangements by Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A., Charlotte Hall, Maryland.
To send a flower arrangement in memory of Louis "Louie" Merrill Buckler, please click here to visit our sympathy store.
What’s your fondest memory of LOUIS?
What’s a lesson you learned from LOUIS?
Share a story where LOUIS's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with LOUIS you’ll never forget.
How did LOUIS make you smile?
