Edwin L. “Buck” Mayberry, age 90, passed away on November 24, 2024 at the VA Community Living Center.
Ed was born September 28, 1934 in Philip, South Dakota to Charles and Marian (Weber) Mayberry. He graduated high school from Rapid City Central in 1953. During his senior year he took up boxing. He became the West River Golden Glove Champion and second in the State of South Dakota. He later joined the United States Marine Corp. Upon his discharge, he continued his education and received his master’s degree in mathematics. He got his first teaching/coaching job at Buffalo, South Dakota. It was there he met and later married Dorothy Oja on January 30, 1960. To this union, four children were added, Zelda, Corina, Shane and Terri. Later, after years of fostering numerous children, Aiden was added to the family. They made Miles City their home. Ed had a very full life. He taught at Miles Community College for several decades. He refereed football, basketball, and wrestling. He was instrumental in starting the wrestling and rodeo programs at MCC. He coached wrestling for 7 years. He then went on to become the Miles Community College rodeo coach for 25 plus years. In which time he had many national qualifiers. He was also selected as a Big Sky Rodeo Director. During the summers, starting in 1963, he went to work for the Bureau of Land Management as a fire fighter. He continued working summers for 56 years and was the oldest active fire fighter. He earned the nickname “Straight Ahead Ed” and “Bucky Full Speed”.
Ed loved hunting and fishing and was still talking about it at the time of his passing. He passed his love of hunting and fishing onto his sons and grandsons. He was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at Miles Community College and was Grand Marshall of the Bucking Horse Parade. Ed was on the Miles City School board for several years. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and the Range Riders. He volunteered at Holy Rosary Hospital and Range Riders. He looked forward to working the tournaments in town by taking tickets or running the hospitality room. He participated in the Big Sky State Games and won several medals. He enriched many lives playing Santa and Smokey Bear. He was an avid Green Bay Packers Fan.
Ed is survived by his wife Dorothy of 64 years, daughters: Zelda Stairs (Kent Koester), Corina (Wade) Berry, Terri (Bret) Bowen, and sons: Shane and Aiden; grandkids: Wayne Berry, Ace (Carrie) Berry, Trista (Ty) Manke, Amy Bender, Shay (Teddi) Bender, Raven (Ty) Spencer, Mason Mayberry and 4 bonus grandsons: Jacob Harrington, Kash, Kane and Keaton Rosenbalm and 11 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister-in-law Del Sexton; brothers-in-law: Larry (Cathy) Oja and Randy Gilbert; several nieces and nephews, cousins and his extended VA family.
Family will receive friends on Friday, November 29, 2024 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Miles Community College Room 108, 2715 Dickinson Street in Miles City. Interment will be held in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made in Ed’s honor to the MCC Rodeo Team for a scholarship.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday November 29, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 30, 2024
Miles Community College Room 108
2715 Dickinson Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday November 29, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 30, 2024
Miles Community College Room 108
2715 Dickinson Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Janet Edmonds says
A grand Miles Community College Teacher and a wonderful BLM co-worker. What a Guy! Thank you for being Ed!
Marvin and Lynne Brush says
Our deepest condolences
Taryn Micheletto says
Thoughts to all of Ed’s family. He will be missed!
Dale Tribby says
Ed’s Family – I am so sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. I was glad to have spent some time with him recently. Lots of memories from our time in the fire program. RIP my friend!
Siane Welbes says
So sorry to see this–he was such a great teacher and community member. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Patti (Green) Ireland says
To Ed’s family: I’m so sorry! Ed was my teacher, crew boss, neighbor, and friend. I’m praying that God will wrap you in His arms and give you comfort. I’m very sorry for your loss.
Sharon Moore says
He lived such an active and full life and was a great example for others. I enjoyed seeing him at all the different events and also locations where he volunteered. The cowtown won’t seem the same without him here – he has been such a constant presence in our lives. My condolences to his family and friends on your loss.
Patti (Green) Ireland says
To Ed’s family: I’m so sorry. Ed was my teacher, crew boss, neighbor, and friend. I pray that God will wrap His arms around you and give you comfort and peace. I’m very sorry for your loss.
Gene and Connie says
Big fellow up stairs has one hell of a fire fighter and coach for rodeos and wrestling. RIP Ed my friend
Gracie Ann Hill says
What an awesome teacher and friend. Happy trails
Rick Newby says
Rest in peace my friend.
Denise Harvey says
A man who I always loved! He will be greatly missed! Ed always cared about others and never failed to greet me with his huge smile! Hugs to you all!
Tom Zuelke says
So sorry for your loss. Mr Mayberry was a teacher of mine at MCC more years ago than I’d like to think about. He was always so good natured. I’m sure all your memories will give you comfort.
Tom and Kathy Wankel says
To Ed’s family…we are thinking of you and praying that you to have strength and peace. Ed was a great guy with a big heart and the foundation of a wonderful family!
Joan says
Sorry to hear Ed has passed away. He was a very kind gentleman.
My condolences.
Dale Abbott says
Ed changed my life and I’ll be forever grateful. I speak for all the young athletes that he coached. Thanks Ed (MR. Mayberry)
Tracy Axelberg says
What a guy! Coach, math teacher at MCC. Big personality! In the fall of the late 60’s and early 70’s, in preparation for hunting season, Ed could be seen jogging through the neighborhood with a big, full backpack on his back. He was the first rucksacker! No wonder he made it to 90. Happy Trails, Ed.
JR and Carol Bean says
What a great guy. He was one to always bring your spirits up whenever paths were crossed. Sympathies to his family.
Jackie Stroh says
So sorry for your Loss! Will always remember Ed being a jovial person with a friendly smile on his face. Never had had him as a teacher at MCC but he was so much a part of that institution. Rest in Peace Ed!
Ginger Huckins says
Ed was such a gift to Miles City, and will be missed. My sympathy to the family.
Diana Elwood says
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of such a kind, generous, loving man. Always a smile and a twinkle in his eye. He had such a heart for people, he will be greatly missed by his family and so many others. God bless, and cherish the memories.
Jerry and Sue Backlund says
So sorry to hear of Ed”s passing. What a great example he set for us all. He was always upbeat and so fun to visit with. Our prayers go out to the entire family.
Janet B Klein says
Life was a joy to Ed! He was a guy who everyone knew through some aspect from life. He was a great teacher, a firefighter for BLM, an advocate for kids and adoptions, a bearer of beautiful flowers from the floral shop, a wonderful father and husband and a great friend!! A life well lived by an amazing individual…Ed, you will be missed by many…
Ron and Connie Watts says
One of Ron and my favorite people! He will be missed by so many. May God bless him and all his family.
Jerry and Sue Backlund says
So sorry to hear of your loss. He did so much for this community! Our prayers are with you.
Jim Joyce says
Ed was the second person I met when I came to the college in 1967. What I’ll remember about Ed was “ with great speed and a cloud of chalk dust in his wake, there goes Ed to offer a helping hand to others.” He was a kind person and my friend. RIP Buck. JT
Carole and Bernie Dighans says
So sorry for the loss of such a fantastic man. Great math teacher and great coach for the rodeo students at MCC. Prayers are with all of you today.
Dannette Cremer says
Oh no – my birthday buddy! I’m glad he made it to 90. I always enjoyed visiting with Ed no matter where he was or what he was doing. He lived a good life. May he Rest in Peace and may you keep his memory close to your heart.
Jim Joyce says
Ed was the first person I met when I came to the college in 1967. What I’ll remember about Ed was “with great speed and a cloud of chalk dust in his wake, Ed was off to lend a helping hand to others.” Ed was a kind person and my friend . RIP Buck. JT
Joan Flower Gaskill Rudd says
Ed Mayberry has not only beenan icon in Miles City but a dear dear friend of my family’s for nearly 60 years!! Close friends of my parents & a buddy of my Dad. He kept in touch after they moved here to be with us in Utah, and called regularly to check on them~ what a fun, sweet, amazing man he has been! We love him & Dorothy & the family! Our condolences to you all~ Heaven gained a great man!!!
Jan Munroe says
This is so sad. Ed was a great guy who passionately loved his family ,community of friends, and Jesus. He strove to make everyone feel welcome wherever he was. Although his years were many he will still be greatly missed. We were all blessed to have know him. My deepest condonlences to you all.
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
From math student, fellow football official, and friend, Ed. was always one to stop and talk with about a the day’s happenings and sporting events. Our condolences on your loss of Ed.
Jerry and Gayle Struck says
What a guy, we lost one of the good ones,He would give you a hand or the shirt off of his back..He was the real deal. you were one of a kind, You will be missed.
Diane & Mike says
Remember Ed from CCHS, MCC, BLM/DNRC and bringing kids around on Halloween and always a smile on his face. Great guy. We are sorry for your loss.
Vic and Laura Lee Ullrich says
I am so sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. In the early 70’s when he was reffing wrestling and we were in the crowd, he would come and get our baby girl and take her on to the mat and play with her. She sure loved to see him and one of her first words was Ed! What a mountain of a man, with a heart of gold and enough integrity to become a favorite of many! What a guy! He will be missed!
Jim and Cathy Bastian says
We are sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. Heaven is even more exciting with Ed there. You can almost hear him say “Look out Lord here I come!’ You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Ken Schmid says
Enjoyed working so many years on fires and trainings with Ed. He was always full of energy and straight-ahead Ed could always be counted on to help wherever needed. He will be missed!
Xina says
My heart is aching
Ed and I share a birthday!
I hold him and his family close to my heart.
So happy to have known ya
Michael McCann says
To the Mayberry famoly: I am so sorry to hear Ed passed away He was a wonderful friend, teacher and wrestling coach. The man had more spirit for life and get up and go than most men. I will miss him greatly
Garth Sleight says
Straight-ahead-Ed was a wonderful colleague and friend. The good Lord broke the mold when He made Ed because there could be only one Ed “Buck” Mayberry. RIP, my friend. And please say hi to Doc (Flower) and Torstenbo.
Wanda Linnell Richlen says
Zelda and family I’m so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. I enjoyed visiting with him at the museum when I was home on vacation. Your all in my thoughts and prayers
Crystal Moore says
Mayberry family! What a guy! He was always busy, but that smile he held – it was worth the world in gold! I first met Ed when I got to come along for the ride to Miles City with my brother (Delbert) to check the college out. Ed became my brother (Delbert’s) rodeo coach at Miles Community College that day! (Scary thought that Ed and Delbert have reunited in heaven again! Lol!). Than a few years later – it was my turn for college and Ed became my college math teacher. As I began my career at the BLM – it was Ed that I came across once again. We worked together in the fire world for several years. Ed was always helpful and willing to lend a hand doing anything. He absolutely had a love for kids! As Ed retired from the BLM – (Ha! Ha! He never slowed down or REALLY retired from ANYTHING) – I still ran into him taking kids to football practices or he would be helping serve some beers at beer booth. He was definitely an asset to our community of all his talents. I will miss the ” Hi kid! How are ya?” Those visits were always a joy and delight with that smile he wore. I was so lucky to call him a friend as many others. Ed- I hope that arena in heaven holds powerful horses and Cowboys to be coached. Rest Easy Ed! ❤🙏
Kim Stanton says
Dear families,
Thinking of you all, as you celebrate the life of one of the greats! Ed modeled how to live life well, and taught many life lessons to everyone, no matter what the situation. The prayers and thoughts of many are with you today and in the coming days.
With heartfelt condolences,
Kim Stanton and family
Sandy Peaslee says
Zelda and Family, I am sorry to hear of your loss and saddened for the sorrow you are experiencing. My thoughts are with you.
Laura Lenau says
Condolences to all. Ed was a great friend and colleague. He will be missed. His kindness and generosity were monumental. Peace to him and to his family.
Susan Sanderson says
I am sorry to learn of Ed’s passing. He was always such a positive spirit. May you find peace and
comfort in all of your memories.
Keith Ullery says
When I came from Canada in 1984 I was 17 years old. Ed took me in like a son. He will forever be in my memories for the way I was treated by him and his family. RIP Ed, there will never be another one like you. GOD bless the family
Bette and Dave Jewell says
So glad we were able to share some great memories over the last several months. We had some great laughs – especially remembering the math conference in Seattle! So glad our friendship continued after our MCC math careers ended. You were a kind man always willing to lend a helping hand. To Dorothy and family, may your memories comfort you in the days to come. .
Donna Leitholt-Taylor says
To all of Ed’s family I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful man he was. Always a smile and a story to tell. Hugs and prayers to all.
Carol Hirsch-Rantala says
Mr. Mayberry made an impact on my life as a college instructor. He clicked with almost everyone I think. When my middle daughter was born just a couple days before Christmas, he helped us welcome her home and dressed as Santa he came to our house and held her for awhile. It was a really cool memory. Your family will be in my prayers as you navigate this difficult time.
Heather Banker says
I have fond memories of Ed; he was such a warm, welcoming man. My thoughts are with the family though these hard times.
Jerry and Sheila Christopherson says
To all of Ed’s Family, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Ed was such a wonderful man, always with a big smile and such a giving heart. May you all find comfort in knowing that he had such a positive impact on our community and so many lives! Thoughts and prayers!
Sherri and Rob Schneidt says
Our sincere condolences to Ed’s family.
Josephine Meidinger says
Ed will be missed at basketball tournament. Allows enjoyed visiting with him. Hugs and prayers for his family
Karen Morris says
Ed was truly a Miles City treasure! May you find comfort in your memories and know others will be missing him, too.
Darbie Karch and family says
Sending condolences to all of Ed’s family! What a guy. He told u like it was and there was no sugar coating it either. Like it or lump it. I met him when I was going to MCC he was my math teacher. I loved that class he made it so fun. He sure is going to be missed. Cherish all the memories made throughout the years! Hugs to u all!
Teal Dobie says
Corina, Ace, Trista and family please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time. I’m sorry for your loss.
Tom and Lillian Ostendorf says
Ed will be missed very much by all. We have many wonderful memories of him and send our deep condolences to all the family.
Pam Rogge says
My heartfelt prayers and condolences are with the entire Mayberry family as you deal with the loss of this special
man. Cherish the memories! I can still see him holding his head in his hands in a math class at MCC saying “Pammy, Pammy, Pammy, why can’t I make you understand this?”! May you find comfort in your own special memories.
Patsy Davis says
Extending my sympathy to all of Ed’s family and friends and our community, but look at the all the memories and the legacy he has left us all with! RIP, Ed!
Mary Ottoy says
My deepest sympathies to all of Ed’s family. He was definitely one-of-a-kind! Was my math/algebra teacher in college and rodeo coach as well. One of my fun memories of Ed was whenever he rode with us to the college rodeos, he ate those pink candy lozenges that looked, tasted and smelled like Pepto bismal! Haha. Funny thing is, years later I found myself eating them too and always brought back good memories of Ed. RIP Straight -Ahead-Ed. You’ll be greatly missed
Erika Swanson says
What an incredible legacy. A remarkable life lived in service to others. Thinking of Ed’s family.
Colette Butcher says
So sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. I first met Ed as my math instructor at MCC. Years later he worked at BLM with my late husband. I’ve heard many stories and memories of his days at BLM. He was quite a guy!! My most recent memory was seeing him sitting down on the football field enjoying this year’s Cowboy Football games watching Aiden and his grandsons play. What a special thing to see. RIP Ed. Gone but not forgotten.
Jasmin says
Ed was such a sweet neighbor. I’m very sad to learn of his passing. He was cheerful and inviting and always offering to lend a hand. Rest easy, Ed. Thank you for your kindness.
Pete Rasmussen says
Ed was a good man. He did a great job “babysitting” all of us rodeo kids.
Larry W Chambers says
Terribly sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. Super great guy and friend. Most men will never accomplish half of the great things Ed did in his lifetime. Can’t be enough good things said about him. Prayers to his family and may you rest in peace sir!
Marc and Denise Hartse says
Our sympathies to the whole family, Ed was truly an unforgettable person and my wife and I knew him for many years. He and my father worked at the high school with overlapping tenures. His upbeat personality will definitely be missed by both of us. R.I.P. Ed.
Linda Hodgson says
So sorry to see this. My sympathy to all of the family. Ed was a great person.
Mary Ann Liles says
Dear Dorothy, Corina, and all of Ed’s family, How can “larger than life” and “down to earth” describe the same person? Yet, they described Ed. I can’t imagine him sitting still – he was always moving on to the next thing, to help the next person in his path. God bless you all as you remember the many stories about Ed and know you’ll be with him again one day. He was a treasure.
Mary Ann Stockhill Liles
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Brady and Jodi Stone says
Dorothy, Zelda, Corina, Shane, Terri and Aiden,
I have known Ed, it seems, all my life. Some called him straight ahead Ed, I called him ADD Ed or the best neighbor anyone could possibly have. If I was out working in my yard he would come out and lend a hand whenever and whatever the weather. Jodi and I adored being Ed and Dorthy’s neighbors.
I watched Ed fall off of a ladder at the peak of his house. He landed on his back, got up and shook- it- off like a bull rider and went back to work. Thank God I watered the yard there before he hit the ground- he landed on it like a trampoline and bounced six foot back into the air landing on his feet. Yes, Ed does bounce.
Lori Clark says
I will miss you lots Ed . Prayers to your family
Sharon Gaughan says
My heartfelt condolences to the family. Ed was a Miles City treasure, for sure, and great role model for many. I feel very blessed to have known him, rodeoed for him, and catch up with him recently at the VA Living Center.
Caylee Kittelson says
Shane,
Your OR family send their condolences to you and your family.
Vanna Lancaster Byrd says
I had the privilege of knowing, learning from and working with Ed between 1974 and 1978. What a great man! I know he will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to his entire family.
Mike Bissell says
Dorothy and family I am so sad to hear of Ed’s passing! He was a valuable part of my college life! He accepted my total math inabilities at MCC. His gracious acceptance allowed me to go on to MSU. Always enjoyed my visits with him, saw him a honored teacher and friend! My thoughts and prayers to your family!
Donna (Sindelar says
Saddens me to see this. Ed was by far my favorite teacher at MCC. I majored in Math so had lots of contact with him during my two years there – seems like he was always smiling & joking. I too have been a huge Packer fan all my life. Thoughts & prayers go out to his family.
Tim Burdett says
Our thoughts are with you. Many fond memories from the neighborhood and the firefighters.
The Burdetts
Stefani Hicswa says
I will always remember Ed’s warm smile and jubilant laugh. Deepest condolences from the Hicswa family.
Jim Altenhofen says
A wonderful neighbor for over 35 years.
Chris (Christine) Simonsen says
My most sincere condolences go out to the Mayberry family. Ed was a neat man! I loved working summers with him fighting fires for BLM. I always felt he kept a watchful eye on me. He always had a smile on his face, a hug to give, and something to chuckle about. The man had more energy than any of us who were almost half his age. He worked his ass off and never complained about it. His work ethic, great attitude, kind heart, and spunk were truly inspiring. You will be missed by many, straight ahead Ed.
Bob Phalen says
Dorthy, I’m thankful and better off to have known Ed, he taught me among other things to never be afraid to do something even if it’s not in your comfort zone. God bless you and your family in this time of grief!!
Julie and Butch Krutzfeldt says
A truly wonderful man who was an inspiration to many students and community friends. Ed will be missed by many. Our deepest sympathy to his entire family.
Burl Mulkey says
sorry for your loss
Camille Sleight says
Ed was so full of joy and enthusiasm for life every time I saw him, and as a kid living across the street from him and Dorothy I had the pleasure of running into him a lot.
Thank you for sharing your light with us, Ed. The influence you’ve had in our neighborhood and community is indeed such a bright one!