Erwin J. Buchanan

Erwin J. Buchanan, 94, of Jefferson City, died Thursday, March 1, 2012, at Adams Street Place. He was born March 28, 1917, in Merriam, Kansas, a son of William Floyd and Elsie (Garst) Buchanan. He was a 1934 graduate of Marshfield, Missouri, High School. In 1938, Erwin graduated from Drury College in Springfield with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Math and Physics and in 1965 earned his Master degree in Personnel Services and Vocational Counseling from Southern Illinois University. Erwin served in the Army Air Corps during World War II in the China and India theaters. During his military career, he attended military school at the University of Chicago, earning an Associate Degree. In later years he was a member of American Legion Post 5. He worked for the Missouri Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, first as a counselor in Cape Girardeau, then as a senior staff manager in Jefferson City, until retiring in 1981. Erwin was a very active member of First Christian Church where he served in many leadership positions and enjoyed participating in a wonderful Sunday School class and many church activities. He was a faithful husband and father for two children. He was actively involved in youth sports, e.g., managing baseball teams, serving as President of the Cape Babe Ruth league. He enjoyed woodworking projects, playing duplicate bridge, working crossword puzzles and watching his favorite sports teams, the Cardinals and the Tigers. On July 24, 1943, Erwin was united in marriage in St. Louis to Lillian Darby, who survives at their home. Other survivors include one son: Rich Buchanan of Matthews, North Carolina; two sisters: Betty Spriggs of Marshfield and Maxine Thomas of Springfield; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Darby Anne Buchanan; one sister, Dorothy Berke; and two brothers, Max and Carl Buchanan. Friends will be received from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 5, 2012, at the First Christian Church, where funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Donald E. Carter officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. Expressions of sympathy may be made to First Christian Church. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main, (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com