Don (Buck) Ralston Croson, 95, passed away peacefully at his home with his family surrounding him on March 3, 2023.
Buck was born in Dimock, SD on January 15, 1928 to Homer and Esther Croson. Buck was the fifth of nine children.
Buck would say that he got his nickname from his Aunt Bee. When she was visiting, she heard him make some sort of noise, and she said it sounded like a buck sheep. His younger brother heard that and wouldn’t let it go, so Buck stuck.
Buck’s first job was as a service manager at a store in Mitchell, SD. He was making $1.10 an hour, so he looked around for a better job. He eventually landed a job with the Milwaukee Railroad. During a rotation, he was sent to Freeport, IL, where he met Mary Lou Shoemaker. They were married on October 16th 1961, and went on to have five children. Buck worked for the railroad for 38 years. One day in 1985, Buck came home to tell Mary that he was retiring, and buying a boat, which is exactly what he did.
Buck stayed very busy in his retirement. He was an avid woodworker, and made numerous pieces of furniture that he would sell, but mostly he would gift things to his children, family, and friends. He also enjoyed reading about history, traveling with his family, and later he and Mary enjoyed taking trips to Arizona, Mexico, the Badlands, and many other road trips. Buck loved classical music, sitting in the sun, laughing, drinking martinis (and just about anything else!), reading, and being with his family and friends. Buck will always be remembered as a man that spoke his mind, whether you liked it or not. He was a devoted father and husband, and a wonderful provider to his family.
Buck is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Mary. Four children: John (Kristen) Croson, Matthew (Misty) Croson, Christopher (Florina) Croson, Rachel Mayer. Six grandchildren: Makenna, Marisa and Mitchell Croson, Elias Croson, Alexandra (Jake) Palmer, and Zachary Szalay. Step grandchildren Mario, Abraham and Ito Luis. His sweet little great-granddaughter Aura Palmer. Sisters: Chloe and Barbara, and many other relatives and family friends.
Buck was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters: Helen, Connie, Lois and Sharon. His brothers: Lee and Alan. His step granddaughter Aidee Covelli, and his beloved daughter Elizabeth Croson.
Memorial services for Buck will be announced at a later date.
Buck’s family would like to extend special thanks to Compassus Hospice aides and nurses. Special aide, Sonia, from Bright Star. Special friend, and caregiver, Brenda Spaulding, who was such a great help, and who had many laughs with Buck. Extra special thanks to Buck’s daughter-in-law, Misty Croson, and his granddaughter Makenna Croson. They were angels to him, and his family, during the final days. His family will be forever grateful for the wonderful care and comfort they not only brought to him, but his entire family.