Donald "Don" Buckman

Donald Buckman, age 78, passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was together with family and close friends at the time of his passing.

Don was born July 3, 1948, in Sodus, Michigan to Ray and Shirley Buckman. The family owned a fruit farm outside of a small town and country living suited Don…fishing with his grandpa was a favorite activity. After graduating high school, Don’s parents moved to Wyoming, and he enlisted in the the United States Air Force. Don served in the Vietnam War for three tours as a fireman and as an inflight refueler for a KC-135 airplane. His courage and commitment will never be forgotten.

While in the Air Force, Don met Teri Carwin in 1977 and they married in 1980. After being honorably discharged from the military, they raised two sons in Sundance, Wyoming. Together, found their own small town to grow old in. This past February, Don and Teri celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary. He was a caring father, good husband, and playful grandpa.

Known as “Bucky” for much of his career, Don was an automotive/diesel truck mechanic, log truck owner/operator, and semi-truck driver. In his retirement, Don drove school bus for the Crook County School System. Getting to know kids and his bus trips helping with the Special Olympic were some of his most enjoyable memories.

As an accomplished hunter, fisherman, snowmobiler, and most notably, a dirt track racer, Don had many talents. He was a multi-year Point and National Champion, fans vote for “favorite driver of the year” and won over 20 main events in the 6-cylinder Modified division from 1977-1983. He raced Open Wheel Modified and Mini Sprints into the mid-1990s. This past Father’s Day, Don was notified that he was to be inducted into the Black Hills Speedway Hall of Fame in November 2026.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Ray and Shirley, his sister: Judy, his brother: Billy, and his son: Todd. Don is survived by his wife: Teri, his son: William (Kristin), and granddaughter: Maya.

Memorial services will be held at 2pm on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the Sundance United Methodist Church followed by a Veteran’s Detail at Mount Moriah Cemetery (802 W. Main St, Sundance)--

Social hour and refreshments will be held at Methodist Church after Veteran’s Detail at the cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Roberts & Isburg Funeral Chapel of Sundance. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com