Donald Herbert Buchanan Jr., 73, of Madison, passed away Sunday. Don was born and raised in Chicago, IL, and graduated from Kelvin Park High School. Shortly after graduation, he was drafted into the Army, where he served two and a half years as a military police officer. He was stationed in Korea as well as stateside.
After his discharge, he was employed by Illinois Bell, retiring in 2009 after 40 years as a lineman and cable splicer.
Don was an avid military buff. He loved learning all he could on the Civil War and WWII. His love of Naval history started as a young boy joining the Sea Scouts. His hobbies also included building model ships. He had a very creative side and enjoyed making things for his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Fonetta, and his brother, Edward. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Mary Zerbe Buchanan, and his five children: sons, Larry and Ken Ortman, and daughters, Kristine Stacy (Patrick), Kathryn Phonthibsvads (Toi) and Jaime Ehrenberg (Steve); grandchildren, Ashley, Jordan, Kylee, Logan and Aiden; and four fur babies, Lexi, Maggie, Libbie and Harley.
A private memorial service will be planned for August.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Madison Small Pups Rescue & Adoption (https://www.madisonsmallpups.org/) in Madison, AL. Don supported their mission and dedication to adoption and rescue. Three of his pups were adopted through this organization.
