Layron Buck

Layron Ydell Buck age 81, of Hot Springs, died Tuesday, January 7, 2014 in Hot Springs. He was known as Ydell to his many friends and family, was born July 30, 1932 in Arkadelphia to Edward and Doshia Woodall Buck. Ydell was a lifelong resident of this area and a lifelong Baptist. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Laymon Buck and half-sister, Wanda Buck.

Ydell had a special relationship with his "big brother" Laymon and they were also best buddies. Laymon owned and operated the locally famous "Lion" service station in Arkadelphia. Like some Norman Rockwall picture of Americana in the 1950's, Ydell made the Lion service station a major social place in his life, where he met and eventually married Billie Jo Hardage. They raised their two children in Arkadelphia and Hot Springs while Ydell worked in the transportation industry. Business eventually took Ydell to other states, but he always returned to Hot Springs as his home.

Ydell loved his father in Heaven, his church, family and many friends. He loved junking around and could often be found at local garage sales and auctions. He was very proud of the accomplishments of his family and that both of his daughters obtained their master degrees. He worked locally for Keith Smith Co. and Wacaster Oil Co. until last year when his health forced him to take retirement. Ydell was always available to help his friends and family when he was needed, to change flat tires, tinker with engines and give advice on how to make that cranky lawnmower start every spring.

Survivors are his sister, Madge Nichols of Lamesa, Texas; half-sister, Donna Burrow (Chuck) of Arkadelphia; step-mother, Pearl Buck of Arkadelphia; two daughters, Deborah Bryan (John) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Teresa Jo Buck of Hot Springs; two grandsons, Spencer Bryan (Lacy), Stuart Bryan (Nicole) all of Tulsa, Oklahoma; two great-grandchildren, Blair and Brady Bryan of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is also survived by a large extended family of many nieces, nephews, his special church family at Mount. Tabor Church Baptist Church in Hot Springs and an even larger number of good friends and neighbors. He is also survived by some special friends, Betty Midkiff, Linda Star, Peggy Ensey and Roger Ledbetter who were an important part of his daily life during his recent illness. He will be greatly missed by those he touched.

Graveside services will be at 11:30 AM Saturday, January 11th at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Arkadelphia. Family will receive friends 10-11 AM Saturday at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia. A special memorial service will be held at Mount Tabor Baptist Church in Hot Springs at a future date to be determined.