Combine a passion for all sorts of vehicles with a lifelong interest in World War II and a wife who shares your passion, and you might wind up with one of the country’s largest collections of World War II vehicles.
Frank Buck, the man who parlayed that collection into the World War II American Experience Museum, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, December 13, at York Hospital. He was 81.
Buck was a successful businessman in the Pocono Mountain region, starting a chain of service stations when he was 23 that grew to include towing services, truck repair, and, eventually, truck sales. He was one of the first businessmen to open service facilities along the brand-new Interstate 80 in that isolated area.
He also created several residential subdivisions and restored and converted a train station into a restaurant.
Buck acquired his first military vehicle – a Jeep – at age 21 and never looked back. In addition to World War II vehicles, he was also a Packard and Corvette enthusiast.
A series of coincidences brought Buck and his wife Loni, as well as their vehicle collection, to Gettysburg. They found the farm where the museum now stands in 1998 and relocated the family there. Over the years, they hosted thousands of visitors – school groups, veterans, friends of friends – for private tours of the collection. Creating the museum was a logical next step.
A statement issued by the family said, “The Bucks came to realize that, whether viewing it for the first time or possessing real-life experiences, people have an interest in seeing World War II vehicles, uniforms, equipment, and related period collections. It was a different time in America. So many can make a connection with WWII in some way. There is a need for an educational experience that will be meaningful and lasting for generations to come.”
The museum, which opened in 2022, quickly put itself on the map of Gettysburg destinations. It has an active set of programs, including vehicle demonstrations, health clinics for veterans, USO shows, lectures, and conferences. Buck was an active owner-manager, greeting visitors and sitting in on many of the programs.
Frank is survived by his wife Loni Zimmerman Buck; a daughter, Wendy Buck of St. Petersburg, FL; two sons, Troy Buck of Gettysburg, PA, Adam Buck of Gettysburg, PA; and a number of stepchildren and grandchildren.
World War II American Experience is located at 845 Crooked Creek Rd., about 3 miles northwest of Gettysburg along Mummasburg Rd..
Funeral services will be held Sunday, January 21, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gettysburg with Rev. Stephen Herr officiating. This will be followed by a procession to Evergreen Cemetery.
A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 PM at the World War II American Experience Museum.
The family will receive friends at the museum on Sunday, January 21st at 3:00 PM.
Featured image caption: Frank and Loni Buck [Courtesy World War II American Experience].
Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.
I had honor of initially meeting Frank Buck through the AACA and fellow friend the late Dave English of Gettysburg, Frank supported our Packard Truck Meet we held at our home for over 30 years and was a dear friend. In 2023 I was in a horrific auto accident – Frank and his son Adam were among my first visitors as I began a very trying three-month hospital and rehab stay. I’ve been a greeter at Frank and Loni’s WW-II museum since they opened on June 18, 2022. Frank would always greet volunteers and thank them as they left for… Read more »
My dad knew Frank and shared a mutual love for old vehicles of all sorts as well as living in the same area in the Poconos. To the Buck family I am sorry for your loss.
Dearest Buck Family,
So sorry to learn of the passing of your husband and father. He certainly made his mark in life with all his successful endeavors.
Not only will he be remembered for his creation of the World War 2 Museum but also his strong support of those who served their country. God Bless!
Ken Cole