Joseph Allen Buck, 44

Joseph Allen Buck, 44, “was taken by the Lord” on May 15, 2014. Joe, formerly of Kalispell, was residing in Austin, Texas, at the time of his death.

Joe was born Dec. 1, 1969. He was the older of two children born to Dennis and Connie Buck. His time with his father was cut short when Dennis passed away in 1975. He was blessed by the addition of his father, James Brown, and sister, Nichole Brown, when his mother remarried.

Joe graduated from Flathead High School in 1988 and immediately joined the Army. In 1991 he married Holly Nichol. They had two children, Cody and Kylee Buck, before later divorcing.

Joe attended DeVry University in Phoenix, graduating with top honors in 1994. Upon graduation, he moved to Portland to pursue his career in electrical engineering. His career took him many places, with his most recent employment being in Austin.

Joe had a tremendous impact on the lives of everyone around him. He was someone who would always stand up for a friend in the time of need and take the time to listen when life was challenging. He was the life of every room he entered, but could also be the most tender and kind friend around. There was always a charismatic quality about him that made him easy to love.

Adored by his family, he mastered the role of soldier, son, brother and daddy. As a soldier, he proudly served his country from 1988 to 1991. As a son, he brought much happiness, laughter and joy each day. He easily made his parents proud of his life accomplishments and his caring spirit. As a brother, he supported both Brian and Nichole as protectors, teaching life lessons and being a friend. The role of daddy was the favorite role of his life. His kids, Cody and Kylee, have always been his focus and he loved them more than life could measure.

The Lord was ready to take him home. He will be missed for many things, including his infectious smile, one-liners, solid character and willingness to support anyone he loved. He taught a lesson about life to everyone he knew. We were the lucky ones to have known him and been a part of his life. He will always be in our hearts and will be deeply missed, and that is a “Joe Buck Guarantee!”

He was preceded in death by his father, Dennis Buck; grandparents, Lloyd and Katherine Buck; grandparents, Clarence and Lois Johnson; grandmother, Shirley Konecky; and grandmother, Vivian O’Lexey.

He is survived by parents, James and Connie Brown; children, Cody and Kylee Buck; brother, Brian Buck and wife, Tammie; sister, Nichole Fenger and children, Tia and Talese Fenger; partner, Melissa Cady and children, Jared and Caitlin Peterson; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. May 31 at Easthaven Baptist Church at 2010 Whitefish Stage in Kalispell. A reception will follow at the Hilton Garden Inn at 1840 U.S. Highway 93 South.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up. Donations can be made to P.O. Box 545, Kalispell, MT 59903.