Scott Boylan Bucker

Scott Boylan Bucker, 89, passed away peacefully at his home in The Woodlands, Texas, on September 17, 2026, following a lengthy illness.
Born on May 23, 1937, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, to Homer Park Bucker Sr. and Henrietta Boylan Bucker, Scott had a brilliant mind with an endlessly curious spirit. After graduating from Ponca City High School in 1955, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Oklahoma State University in 1959. His early post-graduate work led him to Anaheim, California, where he served as a senior engineer with North American Aviation, contributing groundbreaking software to the Minuteman Component Statistical System.
California, however, was simply too far away for his family to be without one of their favorite sons. Conspiring to bring him back home, they helped arrange an opportunity with Conoco Oil Company, where Scott thrived as an Operations Research Analyst, developing innovative analytical models for crude oil exploration, production, and marketing. His journey later took him to Tulsa with Skelly Oil. As Skelly became Getty Oil, and Getty was subsequently acquired by Texaco, Scott delighted in teasing colleagues that he had managed to work for three major oil giants without ever having to pack a single box or change offices. When Texaco eventually shuttered its Tulsa operations, Scott brought his sharp mathematical insight to Houston, concluding his long career as a respected contract engineer across several firms.
Yet for all his intellectual achievements, Scott’s true legacy lies in the generosity, warmth, and easy laughter he brought to everyday life. Blessed with a gentle heart and a quick, welcoming smile, he was deeply passionate about family, little children, the quiet beauty of nature, and the joy of good food.
From an early age, Scott held a profound fascination for the natural world—whether admiring native trees, watching birds, or studying insects and snakes. His passion for ornithology was so well known in his youth that local civic clubs frequently invited him as a guest speaker during his high school years. That reputation followed him wherever he lived; neighborhood children frequently rang his doorbell, clutching an unfamiliar insect or a fallen garden snake, eagerly asking “Mr. Scott” to identify their backyard discoveries. He met every curious knock with patience, humor, and delight.
In the kitchen, Scott expressed his love through cooking, with Mexican cuisine holding a special place in his heart. He found genuine happiness in the simple ritual even wandering the grocery aisles to pick the freshest ingredients—and nothing gave him more pleasure than feeding the people he loved. His kitchen was frequently filled with the inviting aroma of homemade tortillas, lovingly made and shared fresh and warm across the table.
Scott’s greatest joy, however, was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Glandon Henderson, of the home, with whom he recently celebrated a beautiful milestone of 45 years of marriage. He leaves behind two sons who were his absolute pride and joy, both truly amazing in anyone’s eyes: Robert Arthur Bucker and his spouse, Jody Hall, of Dallas, Texas; and Park Strom Bucker of Kansas City, Missouri. Scott was immensely proud of his sons’ lives and accomplishments, watching Robert complete a distinguished career and retire as a Vice President at Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Park retire with a PhD in Literature and Drama as a dedicated professor at the University of South Carolina. 
He is also survived by his two sisters-in-law: Joyce Glandon of Baltimore, Maryland and Judy Glandon Macfadzean of Indiahoma, Oklahoma who unselfishly gave up their own lives these last five years to help care for Scott in his home. Not only did they help extend Scott’s time on this earth, but they richly improved his quality of life.
 Survivors also include Judy and Joyce’s children: John, Suzanne, James Macfadzen and Lynne, Alan (Sarah) and Sam (Laurie) Livingston, several of whom gave their time and energy to help with Scott’s care; great nephews John G. Macfadzean and Michael Turner and great nieces Lindsey, Riley, and Leah Livingston; Emily, Elizabeth and Carlie Salinas.
The family was especially blessed to have the services of a very special care giver, Nicole Williams, who helped Scott and his family during his illness.  She is the closest thing to a saint we ever knew.
Scott was preceded in death by his brother, Homer Park Bucker Jr. of San Diego, California; his parents, Homer Park Bucker Sr. and Henrietta Boylan Bucker; and his grandparents, Henry and Jeannie Park Bucker, and Joseph Scott and Thankful Harsh Boylan. His gentle wisdom, boundless curiosity, and generous spirit will live on forever in the hearts of those he loved so dearly.