Lawrence D Bucksbarg

Lawrence David Bucksbarg, 82, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, at his home in Covington, Louisiana, surrounded by the love of his family, just weeks after celebrating his birthday on July 14.

Born in Zanesville, Ohio, to Billie and David Bucksbarg, Larry grew up in Ohio, where he developed a love for sports that would stay with him throughout his life. He graduated from Ferris State University, where he played collegiate basketball before proudly serving his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Stationed in Germany, his military service helped shape the leadership, discipline, and unwavering work ethic that defined his life.

Larry built an extraordinary career in retail, spending decades doing what he genuinely loved—serving people, leading teams, and developing future leaders. He began his career with the F.W. Woolworth Company before continuing to The Home Depot, where he served as Vice President of Operations.

While he was incredibly proud of the stores he helped build, he was even more proud of the people. He believed great customer service always began with caring for others, and he devoted his career to mentoring associates, developing leaders, and helping others realize their potential. His impact extended far beyond the stores he led. It lives on through the countless individuals whose careers—and lives—were shaped by his leadership.

More important than any professional accomplishment was the life Larry built with his beloved wife of 51 years, Karen Phillips Bucksbarg. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, unwavering support, and a home where family was always the priority. He was a devoted father to Kelli Bucksbarg and Kristi (Joseph) Hynes, however there was no role he adored more than being "Pops" to his treasured granddaughter, Olivia Burbach.

In addition to his wife, daughters, son-in-law, and granddaughter, Larry is also survived by his much-loved brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, many nieces and nephews, and countless lifelong friends who became family.

Larry was larger than life. Friends knew him as motivational, fiercely committed, and endlessly devoted to those he loved. He never met a stranger and had an extraordinary gift for making everyone around him feel important. His unmistakable presence could light up any room, and his infectious sense of humor left people smiling long after he was gone.

His happiest moments were often the simplest. Watching the sunset in Destin, spending time on the water, taking golf cart rides, and making memories with friends and family. His love of boating eventually led him to Nunmaker Yachts, where retirement gave him the perfect opportunity to combine three things he loved most: boats, people, and making a sale. More than anything, he never missed an opportunity to support his daughters through every stage of their lives and took immense pride in their accomplishments. In recent years, his greatest joy was simply spending time with Olivia, who brought him endless happiness.

Larry believed deeply in giving back. He generously volunteered at St. Scholastica Academy, where his daughters attended high school, dedicating countless hours to the school's athletic facilities and sports complex. Long after they had graduated, he continued giving his time and energy, always looking for ways to improve the campus and support the students who followed. He also devoted many years to Tchefuncte Club Estates, serving on the board and as president of the Homeowner’s Association, where he worked to make the neighborhood a place residents were proud to call home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Billie and David Bucksbarg.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers of St. Tammany Hospice, whose kindness, dignity, and extraordinary care brought comfort to Larry and his family during his final days.

A visitation and Funeral Mass will be held at St. Anselm Catholic Church in Madisonville on Thursday, August 20. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Scholastica Academy Athletics Department at bit.ly/LDB14 or to the charity of your choice.

Larry's legacy will never be measured by the titles he held, but by the people he encouraged, the family he loved without reservation, and the countless lives made better simply because they knew him. His spirit, unwavering belief in others, sense of humor, and steadfast love as a husband, father, and "Pops" will be deeply missed and forever remembered.