Russell Buchanan

Russell Allen Buchanan, age 96, of Danville, passed away Tuesday, January 7, 2025, with his family by his side. He was born in Indianapolis on August 24, 1928, eldest son of the late Raymond and Ruth (Elmore) Buchanan. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years Rowena Buchanan, sister Rosalie Neel and brother Raymond Buchanan Jr.

He grew up in Bloomington, IN until age 6 when the family moved to Lamb’s Creek Hollow, Morgan County. In 6th grade, they moved to a farm near Hall, IN. He went to Mt Olive grade school. He attended Monrovia High School and Martinsville Highschool and graduated in 1946. 

He graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Chemistry in 1950 and married his sweetheart, Rowena Esther Agan during the blizzard of ‘50. 

Russell was a ROTC marksman. He served in the US Army attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. 

Russell had many interests. He was curious about everything and read voraciously. He did carpentry, gardening, was very involved in his church, along with random other projects such as weaving, boat building,leading Bible studies and more. His family was very important to him. He followed the daily activities of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in his journal and prayed for them daily.

Russell was a Research Chemist for 22 years for the USDA in Illinois and later worked for the Marion County Health Department in Indianapolis retiring in 1995. 

Russell was a member of Westbridge Church in Danville, serving as Treasurer for several years. He was a faithful, loving and committed servant of the Lord everywhere he went.

Russell is survived by his children, Roger Buchanan(PhD) of Quitman, AR, Sara Buchanan-MacLean (MM), of Louisville, KY, Faith Hobbs of Raymore, MO, David Buchanan (MD) of Chicago, IL, Cinda Weiss of Greenville, IL, Beth Thorpe of Danville, IN, Mark Buchanan of Worcester, MA, Mary Cornell (MSN, RN) of Amherst, MA, Rebecca Grodkiewicz of Florence, SC and Jonathan Buchanan of Hortense, GA.

He has 21 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren and 2 great, great granddaughters.

The family will receive friends at the Westbridge Church on Monday, January 13, 2025 from 5-8pm. A funeral will held the following day beginning at 11am. Burial with military honors will follow in Danville South Cemetery.