Richard Buchanan

1937 - 2024

ST. MARYS -- Dr. Buchanan passed away on July 1, 2024, at Otterbein in St. Marys.

Richard was the youngest of three children born to Dr. Robert S. Buchanan and Ruth (Meyer) Buchanan in Lima on December 4, 1937. Both are deceased, as is his older brother, Robert. He is survived by his sister, Lyda Jones of Lima and Vero Beach, FL.

His wife of 65 years, Reah Ann (Warburton) Buchanan, survives as well as his granddaughter, Ashley Snyder (married to Jordan Snyder), and his great-grandchildren, Christopher Picker (married to Jayden) and Dylan Penhorwood. Richard also leaves behind his great-great-grandson, Lukah Picker, son of Christopher and Jayden.

Dick was a graduate of Shawnee High School, class of '55. He completed his pre-dental studies at The Ohio State University and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Indiana University in 1962. He was a commissioned officer in the United States Public Health Service and served in the Bureau of Prisons until 1964.

He opened his solo dental practice in Spencerville after leaving the service and continued to practice general dentistry until his retirement in 2012. He loved his profession and the many wonderful patients that came to him over the years. Some traveled long distances to see him. He enjoyed working with his staff and always strived to be a kind and supportive boss.

Dr. Buchanan dedicated much of his life to his professional associations. He was an active member of the Lima Academy of Dentistry, the Northwestern Ohio Dental Society, the Ohio Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. He was elected president of the Ohio Dental Association and received the association's highest honor-The Distinguished Dentist Award.

He loved to fish, a passion he shared with his beloved wife, Reah. They spent countless hours together chasing bass in Canada. Their summer trips to the Madawaska Valley spanned five generations. He also fished in Costa Rica and Mexico for larger catches alongside his local friends. Throughout his life, fishing, firewood cutting, and woodworking were favorite pastimes that eventually gave way to gardening and travel. Toward the end of his life, swapping stories with friends at the V and making cookies brought him great joy. Above all, he cherished spending time with Reah, his family, and his old dog, Maddy.

At his request, there will be no viewing or visitation. His cremains will be interred later at Woodlawn Cemetery in a private service. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 20, 2024 from 12:00-2:00 p.m at the VFW in Spencerville. Memories may be shared and viewed by visiting www.baylifffuneral.com. Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville is caring for Dr. Buchanan and his family.

Patients and friends are invited to come and share stories and memories, celebrating the rich and impactful life of Dr. Richard Stuart Buchanan.