Vernon O. O’Bryant, also known as “Buckshot” or “Uncle Buck,” passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the age of 77.

Vern was born in Truth or Consequences, NM, to Deronda M. O’Bryant and Vernon W. O’Bryant. He grew up in T or C and graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1967, where he participated in high school football and rodeos.

In 1968, he moved to Albuquerque, NM, and joined the U.S. Navy alongside his friend Michael Lowe. He trained in San Diego, CA, at the Naval Academy as a medic and later lived in Corpus Christi, TX, where he was married for 26 years.

After leaving the Navy, Vern lived in Colorado, working on a ranch before moving to Henderson, NV, in February 1972. There, he worked until joining Teamsters Union Local 631 in Las Vegas, NV. He began driving big rigs for moving companies before transitioning to working conventions, where he witnessed tremendous growth in the industry. As a foreman, he primarily oversaw freight and booth setup. Vern was a proud Teamster from 1974 until his retirement in 2009, after which he returned to Elephant Butte, NM.

Vern is survived by his daughter, Natalie K. Parasugo (Paul III); grandsons, Paul Anthony and Harrison Jack; and his ex-wife and best friend, Kathy O’Bryant. He is also survived by his siblings: Jim O’Bryant of Clayton, NM; Linda Youngpeter (Dave) of Findlay, OH; Rita Naylor (Don) of Rio Communities, NM; Lonnie O’Bryant (Kriste) of Evansville, AR; and Tammy Cheney (Norman) of Truth or Consequences, NM.

He is lovingly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews—Donna, Barbara, Kim, Michelle, Kristie, Brandon, Yolonnie, James, Amanda, Justin, Gina, and Clay—along with 16 great-nieces and nephews and 9 great-great-nieces and nephews.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents, Deronda and Vernon; brothers, Stanley, Ronnie, Randy, and Jerry; sisters, Elaine Irene and Freda Mae; sister-in-law, Gloria O’Bryant; and his grandparents.

A celebration of life service will be held later.