Arthur "Buddy" Leslie Mulkey

Arthur Leslie “Buddy” Mulkey, Jr. died March 11,2020, at the age of 84. Buddy was born to A.L. Mulkey and Edna Bumgarner Mulkey on July 4, 1935, in Davis, Oklahoma. He grew up in Davis and lived here his entire life, graduating from Davis High School with the class of 1954. He was a loyal DHS alumni and remained in contact with his classmates through the annual Davis Alumni banquet throughout his life.

After graduation, Buddy answered his call to duty and served his country with the U.S. Army in Augsburg. Germany. In later years, he enjoyed several reunions across the country with some of the men in his Army unit.

Buddy and his father owned and operated Mulkey Livestock Trucking as well as maintaining a cattle ranching operation. He was a member of Oklahoma Cattlemen’s and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Associations.

In 1966, he married the former Joyce Graves and became an instant father to Deborah, Layne, and Gayla. For several years they leased and lived on the Butterly Ranch, now the Crossbar Ranch. In those wide open spaces, on top of the Arbuckles, Buddy taught his children to ride horses, work cattle, drive trucks and to enjoy all that God has created.

April 12, 1996, Buddy married his long-time friend, Pat Morris Lassiter and became stepdad to her grown children, Sanja Sisk and James Lassiter, and paw-paw to James R. and Stephen Lassiter. In 1999, a granddaughter, Elizabeth Sisk was added to the family. She became a frequent passenger in paw-paw’s truck.
Buddy taught Pat to drive his “big rig” and encouraged her to get her CDL license. She shared his love of trucking and they enjoyed many years of togetherness on the open road. After retiring, Buddy and Pat found a new shared love of the open seas and enjoyed 22 cruises together.

Buddy had a true passion for life and a great love for his Lord, his soulmate Pat, friends, and family. He will be remembered for his hardy laugh, infectious smile, positive attitude, honesty and silver white hair.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Charles Wayne Mulkey; his beloved aunt Ruth Mulkey Hooker; son-in-law Brock Riddle; and an infant granddaughter, Lauren Kate Riddle. He is survived by his wife, Pat of the home, daughter Debi Mulkey Boettcher and husband John of Ada, son Layne Mulkey and daughter Gayla Mulkey Riddle of Norman; stepson James Lassiter and wife Bell of Sherman, TX; stepdaughter Sanja Sisk of San Antonio, TX; nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren; sister-in-law Sarah Mulkey and two nephews.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Buddy Mulkey will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Vision Fund of The First Baptist Church of Davis of which Buddy was a devoted member.