Todd R. Buckner

Todd R. Buckner peacefully passed away on February 22, 2024, surrounded by his loving family following a car accident that left him with severe injuries to his brain and lungs.

In Todd's final moments, Chandler Regional Medical Center paid tribute to his life, extending recognition throughout the entire hospital in acknowledgment of his generous organ donation.

Todd was born on December 10, 1970, in Spanish Fork, Utah. He spent his early childhood living in Northern Utah, Michigan, and New Mexico before ultimately settling in St. George, Utah with his parents and four siblings. As a young boy, Todd read J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and fell in love with reading and telling stories. When Todd wasn’t busy reading, he would spend his time bringing stray dogs home and begging his mom if he could keep them. Todd was the oldest of five, and absolutely loved to torment and tease his siblings. Teasing was Todd’s love language, even though sometimes it didn’t feel that way! As he grew older, he also became active in sports, playing football, wrestling, running cross country, and soccer. 

Early on in his life, Todd met and married Emily Overbaugh, with whom he had one son, Jordan. Todd loved being a father. He also loved adventure. He would take Jordan with him on all sorts of escapades, carrying him across swift rivers, tying him to trees while rock climbing, hitching rides with truck drivers and having Jordan nap in the truck driver’s bed, camping out under the stars together, hiking, and other adventures.

Eventually, Todd met the love of his life, Rachelle. They were best friends for over 30 years. Not satisfied with one wedding, Todd and Rachelle married each other twice within a year, just to make sure everyone knew how madly in love with each other they were. Eventually, Todd and Rachelle moved to Salt Lake City. Todd and Rachelle, ever the adventurers, started a business together selling cell phones and cell phone accessories. It was during that time they had their first daughter together, Alexandria (Ally). Soon after they had their second daughter, India.

Ally and India were the light of Todd’s life. Rachelle found tremendous success in her career which allowed Todd to eventually stay home and raise his girls. Todd was an incredible father. His love of reading and storytelling translated to his fatherhood. He loved helping his girls foster their imaginations by telling them wild stories about fairies, tiger cats, and magical creatures. Oftentimes they would come home from school and Todd would have prepared some sort of fantastical adventure for the girls to embark on, like planning an escape from an attacking bigfoot or hiding from ninjas that had ransacked the house while they were in school. Todd made sure that Ally and India were raised with immense love and dedication. He would do anything for his children, often at the sacrifice of his own personal goals and growth. 

Todd’s love for his children also extended to his three grandsons. Two weeks before his accident, Todd and Rachelle drove to Utah to meet their new grandson, Hayes. Todd was able to spend a week with all of his grandsons, wrestling, going on walks, telling bedtime stories, and playing games together. “Grandpa Todd” was a wonderful grandfather and created beautiful memories in the much-too-short five years he had with his grandchildren. 

Todd loved animals. There was hardly ever a time in his adult life that he didn’t have some sort of dog or cat. He even tried his hand at breeding Great Danes at one point. He always had a way with animals that was indicative of his gentle and tender personality. As his children got older, that love even extended to his children’s pets. Shortly before his passing he randomly texted his son, Jordan, “I have: 3 kids, 3 grandkids, and 3 grandpups!”. He proudly displayed on the wall of his home “Best. Dog Dad. Ever.” Todd felt like he was finally living out the fantasy of “a boy and his dog” with his most recent dog, Luna. They had a special bond that Todd felt like he hadn’t experienced before.

Todd is survived by his wife, Rachelle, his children; Jordan (Natasha), Ally, and India, his parents; Leslie Williams (Greg, deceased) and Gerry Buckner (Shirley), his grandchildren; Miles, Jones, and Hayes; his siblings; Allison Maxwell (Eric), Scott (Julie), Michelle Hansen (Brad), and Tim (Tara) and of course his goldendoodle, Luna. Todd was loved by everyone in his life and will be sorely missed. 

Services for Todd will be held on March 2, 2024, at Spilsbury Mortuary in St. George, Utah. A viewing will be held from 12:00 - 1:30 pm with services to follow at 2:00 pm in the chapel of the mortuary. 

Family and Friends who are unable to attend are invited to view the funeral service online by clicking on the link below.

Video on Demand

In lieu of flowers, a GoFundme has been established to help the family with the substantial medical expenses related to Todd’s accident. Click the link to donate or help by sharing it with others. https://gofund.me/d0e74342

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.

Family and friends are invited to sign Todd’s online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com