Robert Buckner, Founder of Two Rental Companies, Dies

May 22, 2013

Robert Buckner, founder of Buckner Rental Service and later co-founder of Redfish Rentals, died earlier this month at the age of 68. Both companies were based in Houma, La.

Buckner founded Buckner Rental Service in 1978, building it to 25 locations in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Texas. He sold the company to Neff Rental in 1997. The company was well known for construction equipment rentals as well as rentals to industrial facilities and offshore oil rigs. Several years after the sale of BRS, Buckner founded Redfish Rentals along with partners Barry Deroche and Travis Bergeron. Redfish concentrates in oilfield rentals, but is also active in construction and industrial markets. Redfish has now grown to nine locations in Louisiana and Texas.

Buckner was well known for enjoying mechanical work on equipment. He also was an avid hunter, often bringing customers along on hunting trips. He was also known as an excellent cook.

Buckner was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving in the Vietnam War. He was a lifetime member of NASCAR Speedway Club, the Harley-Davidson Club and Mount Rushmore National Parks.

Buckner is survived by his daughters, Pamela Buckner, and Robin Bonvillain, as well as two granddaughters.