1949-2023

For many years Bee graced the lives of many people. When God saw that her work here was done, he called her home. Beetress Ione “Bee” (Coonce) Buxkemper was born on September 6, 1949, in Indianapolis, Indiana to Lula Belle and Clarence Coonce.

She passed away in the early morning of June 17, 2024 at M. D. Anderson in Houston, Texas with family members by her side. Bee will be greatly missed.

Bee had no fear of death and knew with an absolute unwavering certainty that when she passed, she was going to meet Jesus in Heaven.

Bee and former husband, Louis Gohmann were married in 1970 in Indiana. Together, Bee and Louis were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Angela Grace and Regina Ann. In 1980, Bee and her two daughters moved to Texas.

Soon afterwards, Bee was employed at Texas Municipal Power Agency (TMPA) near Carlos, Texas where she and her future husband first met.

Bee married Werner (Joe) Buxkemper on December 17, 1983, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Anderson, Texas. Their marriage of over forty years was blessed with three sons, John David, Mark Edward, and Matthew Joe. Bee told Joe before her passing that “we had a good run.”

Bee loved her family and the five children she raised. Family gatherings were always special. Grandchildren had a special place in Bee’s heart and they were a big part of her world. It is the birth rite of the first grandchild to choose the name for their grandma and Memaw, it was. Someone must not have got the memo, because later Mimi was added. Dogs were also a part of Bee’s life. Bee’s last dog Abilene “Abi” was special. (As the saying goes, you never get the dog you want, but you always get the dog you need.)

Bee was an avid walker who grew up in Florida.

She would often walk miles to see her childhood friend, Gina. As an adult, Bee remained and avid walker. Bee and Joe first resided around Coronado’s Camp near Abilene, Texas. In the early morning hours around Coronado’s Camp, Bee was often on the road walking before the children were up. (Joe could care for the children as they slept.) In later years Bee trained to run in 5K races. In her first 5K, she placed first in her age category. For her second 5K, Bee set a time goal and crushed it.

Bee loved the outdoors and made many a trip to state and national parks.

As an avid photographer, she took many photos of nature and family. One of her goals was to hike to the top of Guadalupe Peak (the highest point in Texas). Bee achieved that goal only a few years back and was so proud of her accomplishment.

Bee loved to travel and take cruises. Her favorite trip was to Alaska but was later replaced by a trip to the Azores. Bee looked forward to travel in the future, but God had another plan.

In 1995, Bee graduated from Angelo State University with a degree as a registered nurse. Early in Bee’s nursing career, she cared for medically fragile children who she cared for dearly.

Bee is survived by her husband, Werner Joe Buxkemper; her children, Angela Hatla and husband, Chris, Regina Shingledecker and husband, Stuart, John Buxkemper, Mark Buxkemper and wife, Jeanne, Matthew Buxkemper and wife, Michelle; twelve grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers, Richard Coonce and wife, Barbara, Raymond Hutchens and Victor Hutchens and wife, Debbie; sister, Patricia Raum and husband, George; and many nephews, nieces and friends.

Pallbearers were (nephews) Stephen Autrey, Jason Hachtel, Joel Dutton, Glenn Dutton, Randy Dutton, Brandon Eisenman.

Honorary Pallbearer were Patrick Michalewicz.

A funeral service was held 10 a.m. Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Crossroads Cowboy Church in Madisonville. Burial followed in the Singleton Community Cemetery in Singleton, Texas. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.

Bee delighted in long walks, exploring nature and enjoying the beauty and tranquility of God’s creation. To honor her passion for nature, memorial contributions may be made to Texas Parks and Wildlife, in lieu of flowers. State Parks Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (convio.net)