Harold Raymond Buckingham

Harold Raymond “Buster” Buckingham passed away peacefully, surrounded by those who loved him, on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was 92 years old. Buster was born on July 24, 1934, to Milo and Margaret. He grew up alongside his sisters, Barbara and Shirley, and from an early age became known by the nickname that would stay with him throughout his life: “Buster.” A good student and a hard worker, Buster spent part of his youth working as a ranch hand, where he developed a lifelong love of horses and the West. He later pumped gas at a Sinclair service station before beginning the working life that would eventually support the family he cherished.

Buster proudly served his country in the United States Army. His years in the service left him with many memories—and at least one lifelong conviction: an enduring disdain for Brussels sprouts, something his family was regularly and humorously reminded of for decades afterward. He proudly wore his Army ball cap and loved to tell stories about being drafted from Buffalo, Wyoming, and traveling overseas to Germany.

On December 29, 1964, Buster married the love of his life, Karen Burnquist of California, in Buffalo, Wyoming. Together they built a life defined by devotion to one another and to their family. In 1972, Buster and Karen moved to Rawlins, Wyoming, where they raised their children and made their home. Buster worked for the State of Wyoming Highway Department before going to work at the Sinclair Oil Refinery, where he retired in 2004 after 26 years.

Buster possessed a remarkable kindness and generosity, particularly toward people who were struggling. He found genuine joy in quietly helping others, including buying groceries for families in need so they could sit down to Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. He did this year after year, not for recognition, but simply because helping someone else brought him happiness. He was also frequently the comedian in the room. Buster loved telling stories and jokes and had a gift for making the people around him laugh. Those who knew him will remember his sense of humor as readily as they will remember his kindness.

His early years working on ranches never really left him. Buster loved horses and old Westerns, and there were few things better than settling in to watch one with Karen nearby. He was also a devoted Lawrence Welk fan. When the music started, so did Buster—snapping his fingers to the rhythm and moving his head along with the music, a familiar sight that his family will forever be able to picture. Buster loved deeply. He loved his family, his friends, a good story, a good Western, music that made him snap his fingers, and the simple opportunity to make someone else’s day a little better. He loved camping, four-wheeling, and cooking delicious meals over the campfire to share with his friends and family.

Buster was preceded in death by his parents, Milo and Margaret; his sister, Barbara; and his brother, Jerry. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Karen, after more than 61 years of marriage; his children, Joan Evans (Bart) of Cheyenne, Wyoming; John Buckingham (Anastasia) of Rawlins, Wyoming; and Rob Buckingham (Chris) of Tillamook, Oregon; his grandchildren, Drew Evans (Kendra), Emily Dent (Marquelle), Diego Buckingham (Kaylee), and Bristol Buckingham; and his great-grandson, Tatum Dent, who all knew him as “Papa.” He is also survived by his sisters, Shirley, Jan, and Judy; his brother, Jimmy; his brother-in-law, Dean; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends whose lives were made richer by knowing him.

Above all else, Buster was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His family will remember the laughter, the stories, the generosity, the Westerns, the music, and even the Brussels sprouts he never learned to love. Most of all, they will remember Buster—a husband, Dad, Papa, veteran, brother, friend, storyteller, and kindhearted man who loved his family immensely and was deeply loved in return. He will be missed and lovingly remembered.

A memorial service celebrating Buster’s life will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 2602 Deming Blvd., Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001. Family and friends are invited to gather to remember and celebrate a life well lived and a man so dearly loved.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Children’s Hospital Denver, Colorado, where Buster’s great-grandson, Tatum Dent, received lifesaving care shortly after his birth. Donations can be made online at https://www.supportchildrenscolorado.org or mailed to Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation, PO Box 5585, Denver, CO 80217-5585. Memorial donations can also be made to Davis Hospice, 6000 Sycamore Road, Cheyenne, WY 82009.