FRANK AUSTIN BUCHANAN Jr.

Frank Austin Buchanan Jr.,
Lt. Col. USAF (Retired)
Frank was born October 17, 1919 in Christiansburg, Virginia. He was the oldest son of Frank A. Buchanan and Ora Mae Brown.
Frank received his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland and then received his Masters Degree in Business Administration from George Washington University where he met his wife Marian. Marian and Frank were married July 5, 1941.
Frank entered the Army Air Corps on Jan 13, 1943. After becoming a pilot, Frank flew for the Antisubmarine command during WWII and then for Panagra airlines while living in Peru and then on to Europe for the Berlin Airlift. Frank continued to serve in the Air Force for over 23 years, retiring in 1966 as a Lt. Colonel.
Moving to Pacific Palisades, California in 1966, Frank worked for Hughes Aircraft until 1973. He then moved his family to Santa Maria to open a Sir Speedy instant printing business. Continuing to work as an independent business man, Frank eventually owned and operated Broadway Tire and Pioneer Chicken in Santa Maria.
During this time, Frank also taught Business Administration Courses at Allan Hancock College and Cal Poly University.
Active in the community, Frank served on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Maria Valley, was President of the Kiwanis Club of Santa Maria and was a member of the Noontime Rotary Club of Santa Maria. In 1991, under a Rotary program, Frank and Marian traveled with the International Executive Service Corps to Guatemala to help develop a fast food franchise.
Frank's main hobby was his love of golfing at the Santa Maria Country Club. He enjoyed spending time with his fellow members of the club and had countless hours of enjoyment playing with the PGA, the Sunset Circuit, the Trefts tournament and participating in all the activities at the Club.
Frank also enjoyed his time with his local poker buddies and his association with his Clock Club.
After his wife Marian died in 2001, Frank was fortunate to find a new companion with Marge Coale. Frank and Marge continued to enjoy the Santa Maria Country Club, the Symphony and traveling with friends and family.
Frank will be remembered as a good husband, proud father, outstanding citizen and a very proud military man.
Dudley-Hoffman
Mortuary & Crematory
(805) 922-8463
www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com