Clifford “Buck” Hazledine died November 6, 2023, in Purcell, OK at the age of 85 years 3 months 24 days. Celebration of life services were  held Saturday, November 11, 2023, at the Wadley’s Funeral Chapel, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service. 

Buck was born July 13, 1938, in Timberlake, South Dakota, to Rueben and Leala (Hire) Hazledine.

Buck was raised in a nurturing environment that instilled in him a deep love for horses. It was during his upbringing in Timberlake that he discovered his passion for rodeo competition. As a professional rodeo competitor and later as a horse breeder and NRHA Board Member, Buck lived a life deeply intertwined with these magnificent animals.

After retiring from his illustrious career, Buck embraced a more tranquil way of life. He found solace in traveling with his beloved dogs and seizing every opportunity to cast his fishing line into serene waters.

In the course of his life journey, Buck entered into matrimony with Gail Whitney in 1958. Together they were blessed with two children, Richard and Cindy. Although their paths diverged romantically over time, they remained lifelong friends. As fate would have it, Buck later encountered Sally Brown; a sincere connection blossomed between them that endured for many years.

Buck was preceded in death by his parents, Rueben and Leala Hazledine; his brother, Robert; his sister, Elanor; his wife, Gail; and his partner, Sally.

Survivors include his sister, Pearl Hummel; his son, Richard Hazledine and Kelly; his daughter, Cindy Gillette; his three grandchildren, Jolene Comstock and Shawn, Whitney Ostlund and Mike and Hannah Gillette and Michael; his four great-grandchildren, Cole, Zack, Grace and Mathew; and numerous other relatives and friends.