Donald “Don” Buckmaster, age 91, of 568 North 9th Street; Gladstone, died early Tuesday morning following a lengthy illness at the Christian Park Health Care Center  in Escanaba where he was resident for the past 4 years.

Donald was born February 21, 1916 in Barron County, WI the son of Shirley and Agnes (Nedland) Buckmaster.  He was raised in Barron until the age of 12 when his family relocated to Gladstone.  Don attended Gladstone Schools and he was a 1933 graduate of the Gladstone High School.  Don was united in marriage to the former Dorothy “Dot” Kallerson on November 23, 1939 in Gladstone and they made their home in Gladstone.

Don enlisted in the US Navy on April 4, 1944 and he was honorably discharged in 1946.  Following his service to his country, Don worked for the Marble Arms Corporation.  From 1946 until his retirement in 1976 he worked for the Soo Line Railroad as a conductor.

Don was an active member of the United Evangelical Covenant Church in Gladstone where he served as an usher and on numerous church boards.  Don was also a member of the Gladstone American Legion Post #71 and the Gladstone Masonic Lodge #396 F&AM and a former member of the Gladstone Lions Club.

Don’s hobbies included traveling with his wife Dot, reading, woodworking, fishing, hunting and working on projects at church.  He always looked forward to playing Santa Clause and also attending the Gladstone Commission meetings.

In addition to his wife Dot, survivors include:

1 son: Gary Buckmaster of Gladstone

2 daughters: Sheila (Maxim) Wagner of Helendale, CA; Colleen (Charles) Harris of Sandpoint, ID

1 brother: Clifford Buckmaster of Petoskey, MI

2 sisters: Verle Benson of Templeton, CA; Delores (Britton) Temby of Ft. Meyers, FL

7 grandchildren: Steven; Kristofer; Jesse; James; Cindy; Jeff; Steve

10 great grandchildren: Konner; Ava; Maggie; Henry; Zach; Cooper; Madison; Brianna; Amanda; Cody

Very special friends, Kristin Mathison of Gladstone and Robert Sunn of Rapid River

Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Don’s family will receive friends on Monday from 3:00 to 4:00 PM at the United Evangelical Covenant Church in Gladstone.  Funeral services celebrating the life of Donald C. Buckmaster will follow at 4:00 PM with the Rev. Nathan E. Langager officiating.  Luncheon will follow services in the church fellowship hall.   Committal services with Military Rites will follow luncheon at the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone conducted by the Gladstone American Legion Post #71.  Memorial contributions in memory of Don may be directed to the United Evangelical Covenant Church, envelopes will be available at the church or the Skradki-Boyce Family Funeral Homes.