CJ Buckman Jr

Cleveland “CJ” Buckman Jr., 49, of Eagle Butte, passed away Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Cheyenne River Health Center, Eagle Butte.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. MST, Thursday, January 8, 2026, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Eagle Butte. Burial will follow in the Eagle Butte Cemetery. Wake services will be 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the church with a procession from the 4-Mile at 3:00 p.m.

Cleveland Jay “CJ” Buckman Jr. was born on November 26, 1976, in Eagle Butte, SD, to Patricia (Brings Plenty) Collier and Cleveland Buckman Sr. of Pine Ridge, SD.

CJ spent most of his life at Cherry Creek, growing up with cousins and friends that became lifetime brothers. He enjoyed country life, riding horses and doing ranch work. He attended school in Dupree for a short time before he left for the Job Corps in Nemo, SD, studying culinary arts and carpentry. He returned to CEB High School and graduated in 1996. In the early 2000’s he worked in maintenance at the IHS Hospital.

In 2003, he met Merrilee Holy and from that union his daughter, Makayla, was born. In 2005 he moved to Pierre with his family and worked at KFC as a cook.

CJ was an easy-going person who loved to visit friends and family. He enjoyed dancing and listening to country music. He joked and teased around with everyone. He was a very talented artist, sketching and drawing pictures of what caught his interest such as cartoon characters, horses, WWE models, cars, etc. CJ was kind, caring, helpful, and respectful. CJ had many friends, and a special bond with our Aunt Maxine’s dog, Shekira. He was a very hard worker. You could count on him to get the job done.

CJ is survived by his wife, Brenda Houston; sisters, Lakota Condon and Sara Buckman; brothers, Valdon Collier Sr. and Jeremy Buckman; father, Cleveland Buckman Sr.; aunts: Maxine Brings Plenty, Sharon Brings Plenty, Cynthia Raymore, Della Brings Plenty, Delores Curley, June and Valtina Little Shield, Lisa Creek, Delia Francios, Vivian Johnson; uncles: Enoch Brings Plenty, Taron Brings Plenty, Troy “Fats” Brings Plenty, Curtis Creek, Roderick Brings Plenty, Nelson Webb Jr., Orin Blue Hair, Everlie Blue Hair; nieces: Satira Condon, Gisele Vandervier, Farrah Marrowbone, Amy Lablanc, Diamond Stands; nephews: Baptiste Red Dog, Caleb Vandervier II, Aaron Lablanc Jr., Brendon Collier; many cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Patricia (Brings Plenty) Collier; stepdad, Michael Condon Sr.; sister, Clevia Stands; brother, Clinton Buckman; grandma, Eunice (Eagle Horse) Creek; grandpa, Leroy Brings Plenty; and many family members and friends.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with CJ’s arrangements.