FORT WORTH – Walter “Buck” Buchtan, age 99, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026, at the Tuskegee Airmen State Veterans Home in Fort Worth. Buck was born June 8, 1927, in Striežovce, Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia), to Maria Buchtan. On December 22, 1937, he immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island in New York City with his mother, brother, Tom Buchtan, and sister, Millie Vacenovsky. The family settled in Brooksville, Florida, where Buck began the American chapter of his life. Buck truly lived life to the fullest. Just weeks before his passing, he celebrated his 99th birthday surrounded by family. It was a weekend filled with laughter, long visits, dinners together, his favorite homemade apple pie, a beer-rita, and cherished time with his beloved puppy, Luna. One of his greatest joys was seeing his children, and all of his grandchildren and the many family members who loved him so dearly. At the age of 19, Buck proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force. While stationed in Kansas, he met the love of his life, Mary Ann Vogl. They were married on November 19, 1952, in Rapid City, South Dakota, and shared nearly 73 wonderful years of marriage. Buck honorably served his country for 22 years in the United States Air Force. His military career took him to Korea, Japan, Puerto Rico, and numerous assignments across the United States. He retired on June 30, 1968, as a Master Sergeant from Plattsburgh Air Force Base, New York, where his final assignment was with the 528th Bomb Squadron of the Strategic Air Command (SAC). After retiring from the Air Force, Buck and Mary Ann made Fort Worth their permanent home, where they spent the rest of their lives together. Buck continued working in the community, first at Jim Gunter TV Shop and later at a Texaco station in White Settlement. Buck was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He loved spending countless hours fishing on lakes throughout Texas, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, and cheering on his beloved Dallas Cowboys every season. Buck was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann Vogl Buchtan; his mother, Maria Buchtan; his brother, Tom Buchtan; his sister, Millie Vacenovsky; his son, Steven Michael Buchtan; his grandson, Chance Buchtan; and his son-in-law, Michael Edward Hart. He is survived by his daughters, Cindy K. Hart Woodworth and her husband, Ron, and Debbie Ann Draper and her husband, Brad. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Christy Flanagan and husband, Toby, Gayla Williams and husband, Jerimy, Kevin Hart and wife, Bailey, Morgan Boolos and husband, Chris, Ryan Merritt and girlfriend, Olivia, and Cory Buchtan. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren, Hunter Flanagan and wife, Aubry, Halen Flanagan, Holden Flanagan, Taylor Grice and husband Chris, Trent Riley and wife, Dayla, Tyler Schmitz, Haley Hart, Hadley Hart, Teagan Hart, Dillon Williams, Braden Williams, Bryson Heller, Beckham Perez, Berkley Boolos, Hannah Buchtan, Hope Buchtan, Chad Draper and wife, Tisha, Grant Draper and fiancée, Ashley, Garrett Draper and wife, Katie, and Candace Smith and husband, Beau. Buck is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Vickie Mabry; granddaughter-in-law, Terran Buchtan; many treasured great-great-grandchildren; extended family members, Don Draper, Michael Perez, and Mary Merritt; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, dear friends, and all whose lives he touched. A memorial service celebrating Buck’s life will be held at Greenwood Funeral Home in Memorial Suite B, 3344 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Visitation and a brief service will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. Pallbearers: Cory Buchtan, Kevin Hart, Halen Flanagan, Holden Flanagan, Trent Riley, Tyler Schmitz, and Chris Grice. Honorary Pallbearers: Bryson Heller and Beckham Perez. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, the Tuskegee Airmen State Veterans Home Activities Fund (where Buck especially enjoyed playing bingo), or the charity of your choice. Buck’s life was defined by faith, service, hard work, and an unwavering love for his family. Whether he was serving his country, casting a fishing line, cheering on the Cowboys, or simply enjoying time with those he loved, Buck made every moment count. His legacy of patriotism, kindness, strength, and devotion will live on through the generations of family and friends who were blessed to know and love him. GREENWOOD FUNERAL HOME Greenwood Funeral Homes – Cremation 3344 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth, TX 76107 817-336-0584

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