Douglas Paul Buck

Douglas Paul Buck, born on October 5, 1952, in Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away on March 5, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of passion, achievement, and love. Doug, as he was affectionately known, was the son of Paul Ellsworth Buck and Darlene Esther Zahnd. One of his proudest accomplishments was his time playing trombone in the Marshalltown High School band, which proudly marched in the Rose Bowl Parade. Doug had a deep love for movies and music, University of Iowa and the Florida State University athletics, the Chicago Bears and White Sox, pheasant hunting in Iowa, and he had an unmatched talent for trivia. He pursued his academic passions, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Iowa and later obtaining his Master's Degree from Florida State University in the same field. Throughout his career, Doug made significant contributions to his community and beyond. He served in various roles, including with the Florida Senate Committee on Community Affairs, as Director of the Division of Housing and Community Development, as a Senior Analyst with the Florida Public Affairs Center at Florida State University, and as Director of Governmental Affairs for the Florida Homebuilders Association (FHBA). In his role as FHBA’s Director of Governmental Affairs, Doug established the “Building a Safer Florida” grant program to fund education and training for the construction industry and the “Disaster Contractors Network” to connect homeowners with contractors and suppliers’ post-storm. Doug helped pass multiple laws to increase affordable housing and improve the building climate in Florida and in March 2023, he was inducted into the Florida Housing Hall of Fame. Doug will be deeply missed by his surviving family members: his sister Sue Linn and her husband Larry, his son Ryan Buck and his wife Linzee, his daughter Emily “Buck” Rhodes and her husband William Rhodes Jr., and his three beloved grandchildren: Hailey-Jo, Rylin and Dawson Buck. Doug’s deep love for his grandchildren brought him immense joy and fulfillment. Doug's presence will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him and his legacy of dedication, kindness, and knowledge will continue to inspire generations to come. May he rest in peace. A celebration of Doug's life will be held on Sunday, March 10, 2024 from 2-5 PM at 524 Beverly St., Tallahassee, Florida 32301. The gathering will be a tailgate-style reception, reflecting Doug's love for camaraderie and community. Family, friends, and all who were touched by Doug's kindness and spirit are invited to join in commemorating his life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to the Leon Humane Society in his memory. Your contributions will honor his love for animals and support the invaluable work of the organization. Todd Wahlquist is assisting the family with their arrangements (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com).

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Douglas Paul Buck

October 5, 1952 - March 5, 2024