Billy Jack Buck

Funeral services for Billy Jack Buck will be held Friday, February 29, 2008 at 2:00 pm in the Leonard Pitts Memorial Chapel with Rev. David Head officiating. Burial will follow in the A.J. Powell Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.
Jack, a life long resident of Osage County in Oklahoma, was born July 1, 1927 in Wildhorse. He was the son of Marion E. "Jack" and Ethel Mae (Hindman) Buck. As a young man, Jack was raised and attended school in Foraker, graduating from Foraker High School in 1945. During his teenage years, Jack worked on several ranches in Osage County, assisting the ranchers in their daily duties; however he mostly worked for the Lohman's on a ranch in the "Dead Man's Area" of Northern Osage County as a cowboy. Soon after he completed his education Jack was called to the service of his country, near the conclusion of World War II. Shortly after completion of boot camp he was released from active duty and returned to Osage County. Jack was then later recalled to action during the Korean War and served several tours of duty both in the United States and overseas. At the conclusion of the Korean War, Jack returned to the Pawhuska area and began working on the pipeline traveling throughout the United States and Canada.
In 1958, Jack began working for the owner of Shep's Saddle Shop in Pawhuska as an apprentice. Jack learned the trade as a leather craftsman and after several years of hard work and determination went out on his own and opened Buck's Saddle Shop. He tooled saddles, bridles, belts and other tack for cowboys, both locally and nationwide. He was the exclusive maker of saddles for the personal use of Ben Johnson, World Champion Calf Roper and movie star. He also crafted the prize trophy saddles for the Ben Johnson Steer and Roping Awards and the winners of the Pawhuska Cavalcade for many years. In 1989, Jack retired from the tack business and had been currently residing in Osage, Oklahoma.
Mr. Buck passed away Tuesday, February 26, 2008 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma at the age of 80 years 7 months and 25 days. He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his family, friends and many cowboys across the tall grass prairie who continue to ride his leather goods.