Armon G. "Buck" Buchanan

Armon G. “Buck” Buchanan, 87, of Ballinger, passed away Tuesday, October 12, 2010, in a local nursing home.
Visitation will be from 6-7 on Friday, October 15th, at Lange Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 16th, at The First Baptist Church in Ballinger with the Rev. Ferris Akins and Bro. Bobby Broyles co-officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.
Buck was born on December 21, 1922 in Putnam, Texas, to George Alexander and Mary Francis Buchanan. He graduated from Bradshaw High School in 1941, marrying his high school sweetheart, Hallie Pounders, on June 15, 1941, in Winters.
Buck worked as an airplane mechanic in Ballinger until he joined the Armed Forces in 1943. He proudly served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division during World War II, where he made the jump on D-Day and helped liberate the town of St. Marie Eglise. He was awarded the Purple Heart after suffering a gunshot wound to the head while pulling one of his fellow soldiers to safety.
After his return home from the war, Buck joined WTU in Ballinger where he enjoyed a long and varied career before retiring as Construction Superintendent in San Angelo in 1986. Buck truly treasured the friendships he made throughout all of his years with the company and enjoyed the time he shared with of all of his “Blown Fuses” friends even long after he retired. Having lived in Bronte for a short period of time and San Angelo for over 30 years, Buck and his wife, Hallie, were blessed with many wonderful friends and neighbors throughout the towns of West Texas but always considered Ballinger to be their true home. He had three great loves in his life: the love for his God, his family, and his country. He gave his heart and soul to each of them and took great pride in being the best soldier, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather he could be.
Lovingly referred to as “Daddy Buck” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was the man by which they measured all other men. He was truly their hero, for not only what he accomplished as a soldier in the war, but for what he stood for throughout his entire life as well. Known for his integrity, his faith, and his keen sense of humor, he was truly one of the greatest men of the greatest generation. We salute you, Daddy Buck.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Hallie Pounders Buchanan, his parents, and his seven brothers and sisters.
Survivors include his son and best friend, Phillip and wife, Shari Buchanan, of Midland; granddaughters, Angela Buchanan Ebel and husband Wade, Rebecca Buchanan Lessly and husband Kevin, all of Flower Mound, Sarah Buchanan Rucker and husband Will, of Malaysia, and great-grandchildren, Madison and Zachary Ebel, and Halie and Hannah Lessly, along with many loving nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Pete Bryan, Wade Ebel, Kevin Lessly, Kyle Mansell, Jim Jennings, and Mickey Browne. Honorary pallbearers will be Will Rucker, Melvin Ray Herrington, Keith Browne, Billy Joe Buchanan, Doyle Buchanan, Fred McShan, Weldon Hampton, J.B. Teters, Benny Howell, Kenneth Lange, David Dobbins, Paul Harrell, Bob Boone, Dub McMillon, and Bobby Jennings.
The family would like to extend their sincerest appreciation to Pete and Ginger Bryan, Carol Jennings and her hospice staff, Kyle Mansell, and the Ballinger Health & Rehab Center staff for their constant care and attention to Buck throughout his final months in Ballinger. Thank you also to the Brunson family for all of your love and support and for always including him as part of your family.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ballinger Hospice or to the charity of your choice.