Bill Buchanan, 1923 ~ 2012
Nov 15, 2012 | 3082 views | 0 0 comments | 11 11 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Bill Burton Buchanan, age 89, passed away Nov. 10, 2012 at the Canyonlands Care Center in Moab. Bill was born May 24, 1923 in Sinbad, Colo., the youngest son of Bert and Ireta Buchanan.

He was raised on the Pace family homestead in Castle Valley, Utah. After completing high school at the Wasatch Academy in Mt. Pleasant, Utah, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on Nov. 12, 1942. He graduated from New Mexico Military Institute in Ros-well, N.M., on June 1, 1943. He flew cargo planes in the South Pacific during WWII.

Bill married Doris McEatron Oct. 7, 1944. They hitchhiked to Las Vegas to get married. After the war they lived in Bakersfield, Calif. In the late 1940s they moved back to the Pace ranch in Castle Valley. In 1952, the family moved to Moab and Bill went to work for Burt Vivian, drilling holes for uranium. In 1966, Bill went to work for Texasgulf Sulphur in the maintenance department. He retired after almost 20 years of service.

Bill was a Mason, a Past Master and a 50-year member of La Sal Lodge #30. He had a long association with the Arches Shrine Club and was a member of the Scottish Rite. He was a charter member and past Exalted Ruler of BPOE #2021. He was also a charter member of the Moab Golf and Country Club.

Bill and Doris enjoyed traveling and spending time with their family. They also enjoyed many summers in Montana. His hobbies included woodworking, golf and ATV riding.

Bill is survived by his daughters, Sandra (KC) Crymble of Montana, Linda (Fred) Powell of Moab and Susie (Tom) Hermansen of Wyoming; grandchildren, Lisa (Dan) Brennan, Jeff (Kelly) Crymble, Chris (Jenn) Powell, Jennie Powell, Chelsea (Geddy) Northrup, Crystal Hermansen, and Kelly Hermansen; great-grandchildren, Derek, Kelsey, Hugh, Elizabeth, Michael, Alex and Conner; nieces, Ireta (Charlie) Cockerell of New Mexico, Judy (Bobby) Amos of Arizona, Sally (Larry) Bullard of Grand Junction; and nephew, Dave (Brenda) McKinnon of California. He is also survived by cousins, Lorraine Halvorsen of Arizona and Ned Brown of Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris, brothers, David and Buck Buchanan, and sisters, Zella Ray and Lola Hardy.

A Masonic service will be held on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 1 p.m. Cremation has taken place. His ashes will be placed in the family cemetery in Castle Valley. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Spanish Valley Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
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