Robert D. Buckman

Robert Dale Buckman, 90, peacefully passed away December 22, 2025, at the Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM, on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at Vangen Lutheran Cemetery in Mission Hill, South Dakota. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton, South Dakota. All are welcome.

Robert was born December 22, 1935 in Nampa, Idaho and moved with his family to Gayville, South Dakota in 1951. He was the son of Ralph and Myrtle (White) Buckman, who remained near Gayville until their deaths in 1998 and 2001.

Robert graduated from Gayville High School in 1953 and worked four years on the family farm. He enlisted in the Army in 1956 and was stationed in France as a clerk/typist from July 1957 to February 1959. He traveled extensively in Europe.

He received a BS in Education in 1963 from the University of South Dakota. He continued at this university to receive a Masters in Biology. Robert attended Scarritt College for Christian Workers in Nashville, Tennessee. Finally, he earned a Doctorate in Education from Oklahoma State University in 1973.

Robert began his teaching career in Minneota, Minnesota in 1966. The next year, he began teaching at Dakota State University in Madison, SD until he retired in 1993. He achieved full professorship in biology in 1978. Robert was active in many educational and philanthropic organizations including President of Dakota State Faculty Organization, Member of Faculty Senate, Chairman of the College Disciplinary Board, VP of South Dakota Ornithologists Union, South Dakota Academy of Science, Inland Bird Banding Association, Nature Conservancy, Multiple charities, and Creation Research Society.

Robert married Nancy Kline in 1993 and lived in Madison, South Dakota, until moving to North Carolina in 2003. Robert and Nancy were often seen with binoculars, watching birds and butterflies.

Robert is survived by his brother, William Buckman; nephew, John Swift and his children: Kelly, Athena, Trevor; and niece Kathryn Dobney and her children: Patrick, Kasia, Caitlin and Gage.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Nancy; and his sister, Barbara Swift.