Damon Christopher Buus

Damon C. Buus,  58, of spirited heart and remarkable talent, departed from this world too soon on January 1, 2024, after a short yet valiant battle with cancer. Born on July 26, 1965, during the union of Jeanette Ziske and Leroy Omer, he was later adopted by Robert Buus, who welcomed him into a loving and nurturing home.

Damon grew up in Sioux Falls, SD and attended Lincoln High School.  He received a full scholarship to attend Art School but turned it down as he enjoyed Art as a hobby and not as a career. After high school he attended STI and got a degree in mechanics.

Damon's life was a testament to passion and precision, from the roar of engines to the delicate assembly of model planes. His hands, always stained with paint or grease, were a symbol of his dedication to restoring cars, a task in which he found immense joy and fulfillment. "Red is for racing," he'd often say, a mantra that reflected not just a favorite color but a philosophy of living life with intensity and purpose.

His competitive spirit was unmatched, evident in the countless trophies and accolades he earned over the years. Damon was not just a participant in races; he was a force to be reckoned with, whether on the drag strip in his youth or in the meticulous world of building and racing RC cars.

Beyond the thrill of competition, Damon found solace and joy in the company of his daughters, Alissa and Alanah, and his loyal dog, Nitro. Their shared moments were filled with laughter, love, and lessons, from the rumble of model plane engines to the quiet concentration of assembling model cars.

His artistic flair was undeniable, a trait that imbued everything from his carefully crafted models to his keen eye for the aesthetics of a perfectly restored automobile. His love for NASCAR, with heroes like Dale Earnhardt and Kevin Harvick, was more than a hobby; it was a deep-seated passion that fueled much of his life's work.

Damon's drive for perfection was evident in every aspect of his life, from the way he approached his dream job at Straight Lines Auto to his personal projects. His innate talent for construction and design was recognized from an early age, as he spent countless hours at Darrell's shop, absorbing the art of race car construction from mentors like Darrell and Lee.

Though he leaves behind a legacy of achievements and memories, Damon's absence will be profoundly felt by his family, including his brothers Chad and Jason, and sister, Deenah who admired and loved him deeply. His spirit, a blend of roaring engines, artistic finesse, and a relentless pursuit of perfection, will continue to inspire all who knew him.

In honoring Damon's memory, we reflect not on the tragedy of his loss but on the beauty and intensity of his life. May his journey be as swift and passionate as the races he loved, and may his soul find the peace and perfection he always sought. Damon C. Buus, a loving father, brother, and friend, will be forever remembered and deeply missed.

Damon’s memorial service will be at Heritage Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.  Family present from 5:00-7:00 p.m. for visitation.