He was preceded in death by his father, Cleo Armstrong, his mother, Marcella Horton, and his brother, Jerry Armstrong.
Known as Buster for most of his life, he is survived by his wife of 32 years, Dione. He is also survived by his son Steven and his wife Katie of Riverdale, son Robert of Sacramento, daughter Lisa of Fresno, daughter Stephanie and her husband Aaron Gassett of Sanger, and his sister Helen and her husband, Hector Flores. His grandchildren include Olivia, Grant, Wesley, Vincent, Madison and A.J. as well as nieces and nephews Joanna, Eric, John, Helen, Noelle and Mitch.
Buster was born on March 18, 1949 in Fort Smith, Arkansas and made his way to California in the 1950s. As a child he grew up working with his family on the ranches of the west side of the San Joaquin Valley and attending Burrel Elementary in Riverdale. Later Buster played JV baseball and ran “B” track for Riverdale High School where he graduated in a class of 85 students in 1967.
Upon moving to Fresno and eventually settling in Madera, he enjoyed a lucrative 39-year career at Donaghy Sales of Fresno where he advanced from shop mechanic to Director of Operations and retired in 2012.
Buster enjoyed a life of rewarding employment at Donaghy, tearing up the dunes in Pismo on his ATV with his son Steven, racing go-carts and modified midgets with his son Robert, working on his 1948 Plymouth and riding his Harley with his friends. He had a love of music and his dogs. He enjoyed spending time with his buddies at the local tavern.
A Celebration of Life for Buster will be held Monday, April 4, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Boice Funeral Home, 308 Pollasky Avenue, Clovis, California 93612.
The family would like to thank the staff at Clovis Hospital and Heritage Crossing Care Center for their kindness and care.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the Armstrong family.
