FLOYD B. BUCHANAN

After a fully lived 91 years, Floyd passed away peacefully on August 11, 2015. He was born on February 2, 1924, in Dale, AR. Floyd was the son of Laura and Millard Buchanan and older brother to Ross Buchanan. His mother and father believed in the importance of an education and encouraged their sons to work hard, be well educated and expected each son to use his skills to serve others. They both did so in courageous and caring ways. Floyd's family moved to Denver, CO in 1928, where Floyd attended schools before graduating from the Denver University, with a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees. He majored in biology, chemistry, zoology and botany with minors in physics and physical education. After graduating, he attended Denver University's medical school for one year and then enlisted in the United States Merchant Marines and Army Medical Corps. Upon his honorable discharge and waiting for the new term of medical school to begin, he was hired as a teacher and principal for the Arvada Public Schools in Arvada, CO. Floyd's passion for education led him to pursue his doctorate degree at the University of California, Berkeley. In 1957, he was hired as the Superintendent of the Jefferson Union School District in Clovis, CA. In 1960, he was hired as the founding Superintendent of the newly formed Clovis Unified School District. "Doc" served the students and community of Clovis Unified until 1990. Floyd was preceded in death by his wife and soul mate "Molly"; his daughter, Deborah Gustafson; his parents; and his brother. Floyd is survived by his son, Dr. Larry Buchanan and his wife Rachel of Murphy's, CA; daughter, Randy Sue Hein and her husband Doug of Clovis; daughter, Laurie Poduska and her husband Michael of Orem, UT; and son, John Buchanan and his wife Jane of Cambria, CA. Floyd is also survived by nine grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the dedicated care givers who provided for and tenderly cared for both Molly and Floyd throughout the years. In addition, the family wishes to give a special thank you to the doctors and trained staff members who provided exemplary service and friendship. A private family service was held on September 12, 2015, which included military, Mason, and Scottish honors and traditions. The family will travel to Colorado to spread their ashes in the Rocky Mountains. The family extends an invitation to all to celebrate the life of "Doc" at Buchanan High School on Thursday, October 22, 2015, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. This celebration will be held both inside and outside of the school cafeteria and "Doc's" favorite snack will be abundantly available. A special service will be conducted beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. Remembrances may be made to the Foundation for Clovis Schools at 1450 Herndon Ave., Clovis, CA 93611. The foundation is a nonprofit organization created to provide additional support to students and teachers by way of scholarships and classroom grants.