On August 17, 2019, I.O. “Buck” Templeton, father, grandfather and friend to many passed away peacefully at home. He joins his beloved wife Billie Ruth Templeton who preceded him in death 11 years ago and his longtime pastor and friend Prentiss Gordon.

Buck was born October 4, 1923 in Sturgis, Ms. After graduating from Sturgis High School and studying at trade school, he married Billie and moved to Starkville. There, he became the first of three generations of Mississippi State University legacies. Buck served as electrical foreman at MSU and raised his family on campus under the stadium lights that he kept operating and bright. In addition to a 43-year MSU career, Buck also started and ran Templeton Service Company as an after-work service. He took great pride in the fact that he was involved in bringing every building on the MSU campus online between 1944 until his retirement in 1985. He was heavily involved in a number of historic events on campus including responding to the fire that destroyed Old Main dorm, the temporary lighting of Scott Field’s first night football game, two expansions of Scott Field, the construction of the Chapel, veterinary medicine complex construction, and moving the university physical plant to the Cotton Mill.

Buck’s light will continue to shine through his four children Larry (Linda Jo) Templeton, Dot (Mike) Helton, Dan (Mary Pat) Templeton and Vicki (Mike) Kilcline. He will always be Ooie to grandchildren Amy, Brian (Karen), Carly, Mary Quinn, Clay, Mary Daniel (Robert), Kyleen, Paige (Matt), Mary Alice (Colby), Kellie, K.Michael, Nici (Brian), and Stephen (Suzanna). He is also survived by sisters Forestine and Claudine. Great grandchildren Sam, Joseph, Cora, Claire, Ian, Shelby Jo, Noah, Knox, William, Ella Grace, Addie Mac, Eliana, and Micah are blessed to have been born during his lifetime. They will all know of his great love for them and the Mississippi State Bulldogs. A special thanks to Suzie Wynn and Bonnie Roberts who provided loving care to him for the past five years.

Buck was always behind the scenes at his church, First United Methodist, ensuring wiring was just right for Sunday morning services and when they started broadcasting sermons. Buck, a Shriner, dedicated years of hard work to the community. He shared his generous spirit through service and dedication.

Graveside services will be Wednesday, August 21st at Memorial Garden Park at 9:00 a.m., with a memorial service to follow at First United Methodist Church in Starkville at 10:00 a.m. with receiving friends immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First United Methodist Church 200 W. Lampkin St., Starkville, MS 39759 or at www.first-umc.org.