Edward "Ed" Steven Buckner

Edward Steven Buckner, age 59, went to his eternal home on Monday, May 26, 2025, in Benton, Arkansas, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous fight with cancer. Ed was born on June 17, 1965, in Houston, Texas, to David and Alice Buckner. Ed attended Stephen F. Austin University, earning his degree in Broadcast Communications, and later Mississippi State University, earning a degree in Broadcast Meteorology. He eventually became the Chief Meteorologist at THV11, where he would form a 24-year legacy of service to the great people of Arkansas.

Throughout his years of service, Ed received many awards, including seals of approval from both the National Weather Service and American Meteorological Society, as well as First Place in Weather Segments from the Arkansas Associated Press Broadcasters Association in 2005, 2009, and 2010. Although Ed was honored to receive these awards, the recognition that meant the most to him was being named Best Weatherman for several years running in local readership polls. Ed became the first local meteorologist in Arkansas to use live doppler radar to track a tornado live on television on March 1, 1997, saving numerous lives during that event and countless others.

Ed served the community in many other ways during his time as Chief Meteorologist. He toured schools across Arkansas with his “Weather EDucation” program and wrote and produced “Weather Songs for Kids”, a CD of original educational music about weather phenomena. In 2007, Ed shared his personal story about living with Tourette Syndrome and visited schools statewide to teach acceptance and understanding of the disorder. He also volunteered for the Susan G. Anthony Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, supported the American Heart Association, and worked with various civic groups throughout Arkansas, including March of Dimes, Special Olympics, the United Way, and Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

After successfully using live radar technology to track tornadoes in the 90s, Ed presented his experiences to track tornadoes at various conferences and seminars throughout the United States. He adapted to the changes of the industry over the years by starting a strong presence on social media to keep Arkansans informed about the weather. Throughout his career, he has served as a mentor to aspiring meteorologists who later became certified and still work in the industry today. Although he’s been off TV for five years now, Arkansans continuously tell the THV11 team the big impact he made during his 24 years as Chief Meteorologist.

Ed’s hobbies included gardening, watching his beloved Astros, and he was also an accomplished guitarist. Ed was a member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Sacramento, California, where his son pastors. Ed was a devoted husband, father, and papa and had a way of making everyone he met feel special. He loved the lord with all his heart and stood firm in his faith. His family finds peace and comfort knowing he is rejoicing with Jesus. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy and is greatly missed.

Ed is survived by the love of his life and best friend of 18 years, Carolyn; daughters: Morgan, Brooke (Alex) and Kristan (Harley); son, Grant (Hillary); and 10 grandchildren: Wyatt, Brynn, Alana, Cambry, Kelvin, Anna-Faye, Levi, Collier, Pruitt and Bowen; brothers: Chris (Rose), Ron (Laura), and sister Charlotte (Ed); as well as many nieces and nephews.

Ed is preceded in death by his father, David; his mother, Alice; and his daughter, Ashton. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 6, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Benton, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Ed Buckner Educational Legacy Fund at Arvest Bank to support educational opportunities for future generations.