Judah Michael Buckenmeyer

“Weep not; lo, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” -Rev 5:5

Judah Michael Buckenmeyer, age 18 months, of Sylvania, Ohio, passed away to observe the Beatific Vision in Heaven on March 22, 2023. Judah was the youngest of nine, born to his loving parents, Benjamin “Ben” and Bethany (Smith) Buckenmeyer, who showered him with love every day of his life.

Judah grew in a lively household surrounded by parents and siblings who constantly tended to his every need. He was the most precious baby of the family and was a bright light whose presence always brought them insurmountable joy. He was admired by all his brothers and sisters, was a keen Dadda’s boy, and was extremely playful. He was drawn to masculine activities like wrestling with his older brothers, kicking the soccer ball, and, after much observation, he began to venture into the world of chess. At home, Judah was always included in his family prayer time, and was learning more each day about his created purpose and the intrinsic value that he held in the eyes of God. He was baptized shortly after his birth at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Toledo, where he was welcomed into the New and Eternal Covenant of Jesus Christ.

Judah will be remembered as silly, sweet, and strong. He had the best belly laugh and the most adorable chubby cheeks. His siblings believe that he was the cutest baby ever. Judah was deeply affectionate and gentle, which was his mother’s favorite. He especially loved to brush his Momma’s hair, and she cherished those tender moments with her whole heart.

As his family grieves the loss of his physical presence, they will forever appreciate the blessing that his memory is to them. While his earthly life was short, they trust that he fulfilled his purpose in God’s Divine Will.

Judah is survived by his parents, Ben and Bethany Buckenmeyer; siblings, Hannah, Aaliyah, Karis, Benjamin, William, Sadie, Juliet, and Bella; maternal grandparents, Randy Smith and Barbara Campbell; paternal grandmother, Cathy Buckenmeyer; maternal great grandparents, Paul and Darlene Smith; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Judah was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, William Douglas Buckenmeyer, on January 18, 2017.

Family and friends are welcome to visit in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Avenue (west of Corey Road), Toledo, on Sunday, March 26, 2023, from 2-6 p.m., concluded with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6 p.m. Judah’s funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 27, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5373 Main St., Sylvania. Interment will be private. The funeral Mass can be viewed via live stream by going to the tribute wall on this page and clicking on the viewing window.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in Judah's honor to Heartbeat of Toledo or The Office for Life and Justice at Catholic Charities of Northwest Ohio .

“Then Job arose, tore his robe, shaved his head, and fell on the ground and worshiped. He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrongdoing.” -Job 1: 20-22