PAPILLION, Neb. – Col. William “Buck” H. Joyner, U.S. Air Force, retired, passed away May 17, 2012. He was born April 11, 1921.
Buck attended Randolph Macon Military Academy, Randolph Macon College and Roanoke College. A World War II veteran he was a member of the U.S. Army Air Corps 14th AF. He flew with the 5th Fighter Group in the South China Theatre and Flying Tigers under Claire Chennault, where he was awarded the Chinese flying wings. He later became a member of the governing board of 5th Fighter Group Alumni Association. After his flying career ended due to injury, he was assigned as commander of the 30th Air Defense Squadron – Bomarc, Dow Air Force Base; Mace Matador/Cruise Missile Headquarters, U.S. Air Force in Europe, Wiesbaden, Germany; and the 10th Air Defense Missile Group, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. His awards and citations include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and Purple Heart. Retiring after 28 years in the U.S. Air Force, he owned a cattle-leasing company in Springfield, Mo.
Buck was predeceased by his wife, Janice. He is survived by his daughter, Nancy and Kemp Deicke of Omaha, Neb.; sons, William H. Joyner Jr. of Springfield, Mo., and Dr. Jim and Sheila Joyner of Frisco, Texas; seven grandchildren, Carl Deicke of Omaha, Neb., Kathryn Meschke of Andover, Kan., Nicole M. Joyner, William H. Joyner III and Michelle H. Joyner, all of Springfield, Mo., U.S. Army Spc. Grant and Stephanie Joyner, and April N. Joyner of Frisco, Texas; and four great-grandchildren
A memorial service will be held at a later date in Papillion, Neb. Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association.