William M. (Buddy) Redman; City Treasurer

William M. (Buddy) Redman, a retired car salesman who was Lancaster’s first and only city treasurer, has died at a Lancaster hospital. He was 88.

A longtime Lancaster resident, Redman died Tuesday of complications of emphysema, said a nephew, Eldie McLaurin of Lancaster.

Born in Monroe City, Mo., Redman came to the Antelope Valley in 1911 and played football at Antelope Valley High School. After he graduated, Redman worked as a distributor for Union Oil Co. and Texaco. He later owned a Lancaster tire shop and worked as a car sales manager. In 1960, he took over a local car franchise, which he renamed Redman Plymouth. Redman retired from the car business in 1981.

Redman’s civic activities included his appointment as an original director of the Antelope Valley Fair and Alfalfa Festival from 1941 to 1955. Nine years ago, the grandstand at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds was named after him and he was named an honorary fair director.

Redman also served on the Antelope Valley-East Kern Water Agency from 1962 to 1973, helped found Lancaster’s original Junior Chamber of Commerce, was past president of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and was a charter member of the Lancaster Elks Lodge. He was also active with building Challenger Memorial Hall, formerly Fair Center Hall, at the fairgrounds.

Redman, who had served as honorary mayor, was appointed city treasurer in February, 1978, shortly after the city of Lancaster was incorporated. Working for a small stipend, Redman invested millions of dollars for the city. He held the position until his death.

Redman is survived by many nieces and nephews. His wife, Frieda Redman, died in 1987.

Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Mumaw Funeral Home, 44663 N. Date Ave. in Lancaster, which is handling the arrangements. A funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at the Lancaster Elks Lodge, 240 E. Ave. K. Burial will follow at Lancaster Cemetery. Donations can be made in Redman’s name to the Elks Cerebral Palsy Fund.