Curtis Buchanan July 19, 1944 - July 19, 2024 Curtis Milton Buchanan, 80, passed away peacefully Friday, July 19, 2024 in Wichita Falls. Funeral service will be held Friday, July 26, 2024 at 11 a.m. in the First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Curtis was born July 19, 1944 in Dallas to Milton Daniel "Buck" and Ella Marie (Shillingburg) Buchanan.

Curtis grew up in the construction business in Arlington, TX and at the age of 17 became the youngest person in the United States to completely obtain financing, plans and oversee the building of a home from start to finish. He attended Arlington High School where he acquired his passion for choir and golf. During Curtis' junior year he met the love of his life, Geneva Sue Devenport. After graduating high school in 1962, he went on to attend the University of Texas-Arlington. On July 9th, 1965, Curtis and Geneva were married. He later graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1966, at which time he joined his father in the home building business.

As his young family began to grow, Curtis desired to be in a smaller community. They moved to Graham in the summer of 1974 into a home he built. He opened Buchanan Building Supply Ace Hardware which is still going strong - 50 years later. Curtis loved his community and served it by being an active member of the Methodist Church, Graham Chamber of Commerce, City Council and Graham Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow. During the large flood that shut down the city's water supply and left many homes and businesses under water in 1978, Curtis served as Mayor Pro-Tem. As it turned out, Mayor (Kenneth Mobley) happened to be on vacation during the flood, so Curtis did indeed step up as acting Mayor during that time.

Curtis was a Godly man of service and love. Many times, after hours, Curtis could be found meeting people in need of a crucial piece of hardware so that a trip out of town wasn't necessary. His greatest joy was spending time with his 3 children. Being involved with their extracurricular activities brought him much joy. He spent many years as a coach for baseball and all-star teams leading them to victories while enjoying all the quality time. After his children were grown and had children of their own, he got to make lasting memories with his grandchildren in all their activities. The loving wisdom, knowledge, advice, and guidance he offered made a lasting impact in the lives of his family and those memories will always be cherished.

Curtis and Geneva celebrated 59 wonderful years of marriage, loving every minute of the life they had built. They spent many years traveling to Florida to Sanibel Island for vacation where they would enjoy walking on the beach looking for shells and just enjoying their time together. They were able to travel to Scotland and to Israel, which he described as the greatest trip ever. They shared an unwavering love and commitment to our Lord and Savior and through His love they were granted 64 years of knowing and loving each other before he was called Home.

Curtis leaves behind his loving wife, Geneva Buchanan of Graham; daughters, Kris Camp and husband, Rand of Olney and Cynthia Payne and husband, Leo of Graham; son, Doug Buchanan and wife, Mary of Graham; 16 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews and a treasured sister-in-law, Jodi Carter.

He was preceded in death by his parents Milton Daniel and Ella Marie Buchanan, sister Lena Faye Buchanan, stepmother Jo Long-Buchanan, granddaughter Tessa Mae Price.

Visitation will be held Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Parkinson's foundation.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Graham Leader from Jul. 22 to Aug. 5, 2024.