Mitch Buckalew

Mitch Buckalew, 60, of Paradise, Texas, passed away on August 20, 2026, surrounded by the people he loved. Mitch was born on September 7, 1965, to the late Malcom Ray Buckalew and Patricia Ann (Stone) Buckalew. He grew up in Graham, Texas.

Mitch was the kind of person who was hard to forget. He was always joking, always ready with a smile, and rarely met a stranger. For many people in Graham, he was a familiar face at Rockin L Trailers, where he was often seen in his blue Dickies shirt, visiting with customers and making them laugh. He genuinely enjoyed his work and, more than anything, enjoyed the people he met along the way. He was generous with his time and his heart and was always willing to support his community, including local nonprofit organizations, the Young County Junior Livestock Show, and animal rescue organizations.

Mitch was incredibly proud of his two daughters, Heather and Rikki, and never missed an opportunity to tell anyone who would listen how proud he was of his “girls.” He often said they were the best thing he ever did in his life. He loved going to livestock shows, watching his girls show their animals, and eating cinnamon rolls, and those memories will always be a special part of his family’s life.

Mitch married his high school sweetheart, Sherrie Buckalew, in September 2021. The two of them could often be found together, smiling, joking, traveling when they could, and simply enjoying life. Mitch lovingly referred to Sherrie as “my Sherrie,” a small phrase that said a lot about how much she meant to him.

He enjoyed cooking for his family, listening to old country music, watching movies—especially one of his favorites, The Outlaw Josey Wales—and spending time outdoors. He was happiest working in the barn or his shop whenever he could find something to work on. He loved going to the beach and enjoyed feeding the seagulls Cheetos.

Mitch also had a special place in his heart for animals, including his beloved cat, Pete. Pete was more than just a pet; he was part of the family. Pete preceded Mitch in death, and it is comforting to think of them together again.

Mitch is survived by his wife, Sherrie Buckalew of Paradise; daughter Heather Buckalew of Wichita Falls; daughter Rikki (Buckalew) Young and her husband, Tommy Young, of Lewisville; uncle Danny Buckalew and his wife, Beth Buckalew, of Mineral Wells; stepfather Lee Franklin and his wife, June Franklin, of Mineral Wells; cousin Josh Vaughn of Graham; sister Kristi (Buckalew) Escue and her husband, Shawn Escue, of Pueblo; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Malcom Ray Buckalew and Patricia Ann (Buckalew) Franklin; his grandparents, Jim Vernon Stone and Doris Blanche (Wheeler) Stone, and Ezra Lafayette Buckalew and Mary Telitha (Massey) Buckalew; and his beloved cat, Pete.

His “girls,” his Sherrie, his family, and his friends will miss him more than words can say.

In lieu of flowers, Mitch asked that donations be made to the Young County Humane Society or to a local animal rescue organization in your area.

Visitation services for Mitch will be on Thursday, August 27th, from 10:00 AM until the start of the service. His funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 27th, at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Pioneer Cemetery.