A father, brother, uncle, friend to many, Joe Earl Buchanan has moved beyond what we know to join his wife, Dena Sue Buchanan in love, joy and laughter without limits, pain or concern. Joe was born July 28th, 1939 and grew up in Florence, Texas.
A precious young man, easily recognized when looking through family photos and memories, Joe was always willing to pick up an odd job, hold his position as Captain of the football team and play pranks on his siblings and friends. That same tenacity found him sitting atop a horse as he rode local ranches and even summer jobs in Montana. When he married Dena, he became a banker and quickly showed the work ethic needed to rise through the ranks. He always told us that he started “shining pennies in the vault” before he was promoted. As they began their family and bought their first home, Joe worked three jobs to ensure that all of the bills would be paid and his family would have all that they needed. His work ethic was incomparable.
Over the years, we have been told numerous times that because of Dad, businesses exist, second chances were given and families have realized their dreams. Banking wasn’t just an industry for him. He cared about his customers, their lives, their families, their interests, their careers and their dreams. He never boasted about the changes he helped people make in their lives, he just lived it. Retiring from banking returned Joe and Dena to Florence where they built a home and enjoyed grandchildren and great-grandchildren on a small farm. We often teased them that it was straight out of Green Acres.
Our father loved his family and grew his family with friends he met along the way. He was a standard for good advice, but only if asked. Dad had a ball playing the odds, and always had us guessing if he was being serious or pulling our leg. He was curious and a problem solver, and often began conversations with “ I have a question…” which inevitably meant we hadn’t thought our actions all the way through. He was brave. He could solve anything. He could work obstacles out in his mind while we were all still scratching our heads. He would go straight to the obituaries when he got a newspaper to see if he was in it. He said that if he didn’t see his name he knew it was going to be a good day. He was positive, he strived to teach us not to worry about things we couldn’t control and he loved us unconditionally.
Joe leaves behind numerous family and friends who showed up, people who cared for him and helped him manage the aspects of life he could no longer tend to alone. People who joined him in the wins, joys, sorrows and losses. People who showed that they were as selfless, good-hearted and as determined as he was to make someone’s life better simply because they showed up, they didn’t keep score and they didn’t lean on excuses.
Joe's stories and catch phrases will continue to be told by his oldest daughter Pamela Buchanan and her family: Jody Jensen, Dasha Jensen-Buchanan and Maui. His youngest daughter Audra Taylor and her family: Brandon and Casey Butts and their children Jenna and Tate, Brady and Maygen Butts and their children Lyla, Wasey and Jettson, and Kelsi Taylor. Adrienne Hagler, whom Joe introduced as his other daughter and fully adopted with his heart. Extended stories will be told by his brother Sam and sister-in-law Tanya Buchanan, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Friends and healthcare support systems greatly contributed to joy and quality of life for dad. Thank you Saybl, Malinda, Cynthia, David, Cheryl, Betty, Holly, Sarah, Tanner, Gary, Bitty, Ronnie and a host of others. Exemplary hospice care by Wendi, Dee and Michelle. Dr. Suruchii Kathpalia, who far exceeded our expectations for care and compassion, thank you.
A celebration of life will be held at Florence United Methodist Church, Saturday, April 25th at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, please honor Joe by continuing to show up for those you love, and those who need it.