Donald L. Buck

Donald L. Buck of Great Falls passed away on April 14, 2023, at Peace Hospice at the age of 92.

His memorial service will be held at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.

Don was born and raised in Lewistown. He was one of 4 children born to Monte and Lenora Buck. He graduated from Fergus High School in 1948. Don entered the Marines at age 21. In 1950, before being stationed in California, he married his wife, Irene, whom he has been with for the past 73 years. Once Don returned to Montana, he started his lifelong career as a phone man for the Mountain Bell Phone Company.

In 1974, Don and Irene, along with lifelong friends Mack and Marlis Willey, purchased land in Lincoln, Montana and named it El Rancho Costalot where they spent every weekend that they could. Lincoln was Don’s life, and he cherished the time spent with family and friends there. The road is still named Willey Buck Lane.

Don was a craftsman at heart. He loved to woodwork in his garage. He loved helping his family. Don had a generous spirit and would never turn anyone away. He and Irene were members of the Skunkwagon car club for a number of years. The club was something they both cherished for its adventures and relationships that it gave them. He loved to drive his 1955 Chevy whenever he could.

He is survived by his wife, Irene; children, David (Mary) Buck, Brian (Pam) Buck, and Janice (Charles) Fulcher; along with 5 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Monte and Lenora; brothers, Melvin and Virgil; and sister, Juanita. He is also preceded in death by many of his lifelong Telephone Pioneer Friends.