David P. Buckson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids David Buckson
Attorney General of Delaware
In office January 15, 1963 – January 19, 1971
Governor	Elbert Carvel Charles L. Terry, Jr. Russell W. Peterson
Preceded by	Januar Bove
Succeeded by	Laird Stabler
63rd Governor of Delaware
In office December 30, 1960 – January 17, 1961
Lieutenant	Vacant
Preceded by	J. Caleb Boggs
Succeeded by	Elbert Carvel
15th Lieutenant Governor of Delaware
In office January 15, 1957 – December 30, 1960
Governor	Caleb Boggs
Preceded by	John Rollins
Succeeded by	Eugene Lammot
Personal details
Born	David Penrose Buckson (1920-07-25)July 25, 1920 Townsend, Delaware, U.S.
Died	January 17, 2017(2017-01-17) (aged 96) Milford, Delaware, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouses	Betty Savin Patricia Maloney
Children	Eric Buckson (son)
Education	University of Delaware, Newark (BA) Pennsylvania State University, Carlisle (LLB)

David Penrose Buckson (born July 25, 1920 – died January 17, 2017) was an American lawyer and politician from Camden, Delaware. He was a brave veteran of World War II. As a member of the Republican Party, he held several important roles. He served as the 15th Lieutenant Governor of Delaware. For a short time, he was the 63rd Governor of Delaware. He also served as the 37th Attorney General of Delaware.

Early Life and Education

David Buckson was born in Townsend, Delaware, on July 25, 1920. His parents were Leon and Margaret Hutchison Buckson. He married Betty Savin in 1945, and they had two children, Deborah and Brian. Later, he married Patricia Maloney in 1962. They had four children: Marlee, David, Eric, and Kent. The family belonged to the Methodist Church.

David Buckson studied at the University of Delaware. He graduated in 1941. He also became a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. During World War II, he served in the South Pacific. He rose to the rank of major. After the war, he continued his education. He studied law at Dickinson College Law School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

David Buckson was also the founder of Dover Downs. This place opened in 1969 with a harness racing track. It also included a NASCAR race track. David Buckson passed away on January 17, 2017. He died at the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford, Delaware.

Serving Delaware: Lieutenant Governor and Governor

David Buckson as Lieutenant Governor.

In 1955, David Buckson became a judge. He served in the Court of Common Pleas. A year later, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of Delaware. He won against Vernon Derrickson. He served one term, from January 15, 1957, to December 30, 1960.

Near the end of his term in 1960, he wanted to become governor. However, he did not get the Republican Party's nomination. But he still became governor! This happened when Governor J. Caleb Boggs resigned. Governor Boggs left to become a U.S. Senator. David Buckson served the last 18 days of Governor Boggs' term.

Public Service and Achievements

David Buckson was elected Delaware's Attorney General in 1962. He served two terms in this role. His terms were from January 15, 1963, to January 19, 1971. The Attorney General is the state's chief legal officer. They represent the state in legal matters.

He ran for governor again in 1964. But he lost to Democratic candidate Charles L. Terry, Jr.. He tried again in 1972, but he did not get the Republican nomination.

Later, Governor Sherman W. Tribbitt appointed him as a judge. He served in the Family Court of Delaware.

David Buckson was a very active person. He was the first lawyer in Delaware to have offices in more than one county. He founded Dover Downs, a well-known racing venue. He was also a volunteer fireman. He was a decorated officer from World War II. He even commanded a National Guard unit. At the same time, he was the city solicitor (legal advisor) for several Delaware towns. These included Newark, Middletown, Townsend, Smyrna, Clayton, and Dover.

David Buckson passed away on January 17, 2017, in Milford. When he died, he was the oldest living state governor in the United States.

Images for kids

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  David Buckson in 1969.