Bucky Dwayne Claunch Sr., was born Oct. 5, 1934, in a pup tent on the side of Greenie Mountain, to Albert and Clarine Claunch of La Jara, Colo.

He came from a family of nine children, brothers Bill, Albert Jr., Alfred, and Arthur, and sisters Sylvia, Lorine, Loretta, and Clarine. He was the oldest boy.

The love of his life Cathy Claunch and him were together for 55 years. They had two children, Bucky D. Claunch Jr. (Courtney Claunch) and Stacy Maker (Daniel Maker). His grandkids were Dalton Maker, Dillon Maker, Shayla Maker, Kase Claunch, Kipp Claunch, Kole Claunch, and Lynnlee Claunch.

Bucky was a well-known cowboy of the San Luis Valley. Anyone who met him received one of his famous stories. His love for horses was shown through horse racing, traveling all over many states with them.

He made a homemade bus by cutting it and loading the horses with him. He also had a Buick car with a 2-horse trailer that he took down the road to the many rodeos he competed in.

He was born in the saddle, competing in bareback riding, steer wrestling, the relay race, wild cow milking, men’s barrel racing, and more.

Many knew him for riding in the Ski Hi Stampede parade for over 70 years and being the Grand Marshall in 2016.

Another love of his was hunting, which was also done on horseback.

He believed in family values and traditions, working on the ranch and farm his whole life. His faith was strong and his love of our heavenly father. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandpa, whose legacy will live on through them.

The tough, old-time cowboy Bucky Claunch Sr. passed away Dec. 30, 2022. He was precede in death by his mother and father Albert and Clarine Claunch, and sisters Loretta and Sylvia.

Arrangements are being handled by Strohmayer’s Funeral Home of Monte Vista. Visitation (story telling) Service will be Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, at 5 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Monte Vista, all are welcome to come tell stories about Bucky. Memorial Funeral Services will be Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Monte Vista. Following the funeral service, he will be laid to rest by horse and wagon at Cowboy Meadows, County Road BB, La Jara, Colo.