Leroy J. “Buck” Himes, 88, of St. Marys, PA passed away on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at Elk Haven Nursing Home surrounded by his family following a short illness.

He was born on October 19, 1934 in Ridgway, a son of the late Burton and Lillian Wolff Himes.

On May 22, 1954, in Daguscahonda, he married the late Alice “Dixie” Groll Himes, who preceded him in death on April 20, 2018. Together they shared more than 63 years of marriage.

Buck owned and operated Jersey Valley Excavating and Recycling for many years, and also helped his wife run Dixie Himes Ceramics. In his younger years, he enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting. He looked forward to trips to the casino and playing bingo with his wife. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, playing games, and going for rides to see the elk.

He is survived by three daughters; Roxe Anne Challingsworth of St. Marys, Jody (Doug) Tyger of Kersey and Kelly (Doug) Dippold of North Carolina; by 8 grandchildren; Missy (Dan) Pistner, Danny (Julie) Challingsworth, Kevin (Jolienne) Himes, Michael (Danielle) Himes, Amanda (Wayne) Krieg, Mallory (Jim) Dickinson, Alison (Matt) Autrey, and Joshua Dippold, by fourteen great grandchildren, and by one great-great grandchild. He is also survived by one sister; Evelyn Beers of St. Marys, a daughter-in-law; Sue Wendel of St. Marys, many numerous nieces and nephews, and by longtime family friends; Todd (Kim) Taylor.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by a son: Daniel Himes, two sons-in-law; Paul Bush and Jim Challingsworth, two grandchildren; Hannah Badeau and AJ Autrey, and by three sisters; Dorothy Neubert, Lenora King, and Virginia Zuchowski.

Funeral Services for Leroy J. “Buck” Himes will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Barry Moyer officiating.
Burial will follow in the St. Marys Protestant Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Saturday, July 22, 2023 from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Elk County Humane Society.

Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael St., St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com