He left this world with 'A Satisfied Mind'

By Wendy Post (TIMES-SHAMROCK WRITER)
Published: September 29, 2010

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Times-Shamrock Photo/Wendy Post Bucky Moon is shown during one of his final performances with Susie McEntire-Eaton at Rudin's Farm. The two sang "A Satisfied Mind" together - a favorite of Bucky Moon's.

TIOGA COUNTY, N.Y. - The word resounded on Tuesday of the passing of locally loved musician Bucky Moon, who took his very last breath at approximately 8:45 p.m. on Monday.

Known to many throughout the Southern Tier of New York and the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania for his music, 82-year-old Moon struggled over the last couple months to perform shows with his band, The Country Connection, that he had slated throughout the community.

But with the progression of his illness taking a toll, Moon took his last breath at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, N.Y. on Monday night.

It was just earlier in the month when Moon performed at the Rudin's Olde Tyme Farm Days event in Owego, and made an appearance at the Old Home Days event in Nichols, N.Y. that same weekend.

At the Rudin's Farm event, Moon, whose health was deteriorating, accompanied his band, The Country Connection, on guitar. Glancing over with a warm smile, Moon kept a humble attitude about his prognosis; even telling guests and fans that the news from the doctor was not good, and that he didn't have long.

But with his fate etched in his mind, Moon was offered to play a song with Susie McEntire-Eaton that evening, as she arrived at the Farm Days early for a performance the following evening. When asked what song he would like to perform, Moon asked her if she knew the words to "A Satisfied Mind."

"No," replied McEntire-Eaton, who is the sister to Reba McEntire, "but I'll figure it out as we go along."

Struggling to breath, Moon was able to complete his favorite song.

However, the toll of his illness didn't leave him much time, and a performance at the Old Home Days in Nichols over Labor Day weekend was his last. But according to those who knew and loved him, the Old Home Days for Moon was a tradition that he no doubt told himself he couldn't miss.

Marisha (McLinko) MacMorran of Troy, Pa., is the niece to Moon, and only noted that he will be missed when she learned of his death. Originally growing up in Athens, Pa., MacMorran remembered dancing to her uncle's music at the age of 4.

"I remember dancing and watching him play at the Old Home Days event with my cousins," said MacMorran who is now grown and married. "He will definitely be missed."

Back in Candor, N.Y., Moon's home town, his wife Donna was already feeling the loss of this incredible man and performer. When asked if Moon left the world with a satisfied mind on Monday evening, Donna Moon replied, "No doubt in my mind."

Bucky Moon was born June 27, 1928 in Owego, N.Y. the son of the late Elmer and Maude Backer Moon.

Bucky served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the South Pacific in the Marshall Islands. Serving as a deep sea diver, scarring that occurred in his lungs would take its toll in later years, and eventually cause his recent illness and death.

But Moon lived his life fully, and had his own band called White Lightning Express, and then later formed The Country Connection. This band, which saw members join throughout the years from all over New York and Pennsylvania, gathered many fans throughout the years who enjoyed dancing to his music at various community events and functions.

Moon was later inducted into the NYS Cortland Country Music Hall of Fame, and on July 18, Tioga County, N.Y. proclaimed the day as Bucky Moon Day in conjunction with a gathering that welcomed hundreds to celebrate his belated birthday.

Moon was a tree surgeon for many years, and enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling, and watching the Yankees and Giants.

"He was always ready to help anyone who needed it, and he was a friend to everyone he ever met," were the words prepared by his wife for his obituary.

Moon is predeceased by his sons Brad and Andrew, sisters Hilda Shirley, Emma Morrison, Hope Burdick, Inus Moon, Alice Holsworth and Ada Sanford, and brother Chucky Moon.

Bucky Moon is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years Donna at home, children Yvenna (Malcolm) Berean of Calif., Renee (James) Hover of Smithboro, N.Y., Vicki (Gary) Tucker of Owego, N.Y., Michael (Anna) Moon of Tioga Center, N.Y., Lisa (Cheryl) Moon of Endicott, N.Y. and Emily Moon of Candor, N.Y., numerous grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, a brother and his wife Gardell and Gladys Moon of Horseheads, N.Y. and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

At the request of family, there will be no calling hours or services, and arrangements are under the care of Jay E. Lowery Funeral Home Inc., Athens, Pa.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in Bucky's memory to the: Lourdes Hospice, 169 Riverside Dr., Binghamton, N.Y. 13901.

For those wishing to sign the E-guestbook and send condolences may do so by visiting www.loweryfuneralhome.com.

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