Robert Eugene Buckner

Robert Eugene Buckner, 66, passed away surrounded by family at Billings Clinic on May 18, 2023, after a long battle with failing health, due to compromised lungs.

Rob was born in Martinez, Calif., on December 30, 1956, to Jimmie Eugene and Lola June (Burton) Buckner. He grew up as one of five children in Hyannis, Neb.. He spent his childhood learning to rope, ride, work cows, and help his father break horses. He loved sharing stories of all the ways he antagonized his siblings while growing up. The family made a few moves throughout the years eventually ending up in Thermopolis, Wyo., where he graduated from Hot Springs County High School. In 1971, at a high school rodeo club meeting, Rob met Monica Shaffer and she quickly became his high school sweetheart. They married November 2, 1974, in Thermopolis. This union brought four children. His family continued to grow throughout the years by blood as well as chosen family.

Throughout his life, Rob had a wide variety of occupations, ranging from ranch work to being a safety professional and many things in between. Though he explored many careers, ranching and cowboy work always held a special place in his heart. He was a true horseman with a knack for taking in problem horses and turning them into capable all-around horses. One of his favorite things to do was to share his knowledge and teach anyone that would listen about his true passion of being a horseman. Rob took pride in and loved to watch each of his grandchildren learn to rope and ride as well as compete in any sport. He loved God, his family, extended family, chosen family, and friends with all his heart. He will be missed by many.

Those cherishing his memory include his loving wife of 48 years, Monica; mother, Lola Buckner (Bruce Self) of Thermopolis; daughters, Shannon (Nate) Myers and Shawna (Will) Farrell both of Thermopolis; sons, Haze (Serena) Buckner of Moorcroft, Wyo., and J.W. (Shyla) Buckner of Thermopolis; grandchildren, Tyelynn, Koy (Maggie), Layne, Roedy, Kamryn, Logann, Ben, Chayce, Kaylee, Ryder, Hudsyn, Mack, and Mackenzie; great-grandchildren, Korbie, Kuincie, Weston and Owen; brother, Wayne Buckner of Nebraska; sister, Mary Jo of Wyoming; and extended family, Ro, Audra and Gabriel Dominguez of Thermopolis.

Rob was preceded in death by his father, Jimmie; brother, James Buckner; and sister, Patricia Endicott.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the First Baptist Church in Thermopolis with Pastor Harvey Seidel officiating. Graveside services will follow at Monument Hill Cemetery with Frank Robbins officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to Cowboys With A Mission Rodeo Bible Camp. Please send checks to PO Box 524, Worland, Wyoming 82401. Online condolences may be made at http://www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.