Donald Ralph Buchanan was called home to be with Jesus on September 22, 2026. Born on January 3, 1935, in Paoli, Indiana, to Fred and Mary Buchanan, Don lived his life with strength, determination, and an unwavering commitment to his faith and family.

A proud Center High School Spartan, Don’s lifelong love of sports began on the basketball court and baseball field during his school years. Following his graduation, he followed in his big brother’s and brother-in-law’s footsteps and enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve.

On September 16, 1956, Don married his high school sweetheart, Janice Lee Rodeffer, at Buck Creek Church of the Brethren. For 69 years, they walked through life side by side, building a home, raising their family, never missing a sporting event, and sharing a faith that remained at the center of it all.

There was never much idle time in Don’s life, whether at work or tending to his property. He delivered milk for Borden’s, owned and operated a filling and service station, served with the Muncie Police Department as an officer and later a detective, and farmed more than 50 acres before building the family homestead. His many experiences eventually led him to a career in insurance sales, retiring after two decades with Farm Bureau. Never one to shy away from hard work, Don held many of these roles simultaneously, doing whatever it took to provide for the family he loved so deeply.

Don and Janice were proud members of Old Town Hill Southern Baptist Church, where Don taught adult Sunday school classes, sang in the choir, and served his church in various leadership roles. He was also an active member of The Gideons International. Don loved sharing God’s Word through teaching and found great purpose in helping others understand its lessons. His faith was not simply something he believed; it was something he studied, taught, and lived.

Don was a proud man in all the best ways. Proud of the life he built, proud of a yard kept just right, and above all, proud of his family. He and Janice raised two daughters, Pam and Tammie, who were the center of their world, and that pride only grew with each grandchild and great-grandchild who followed.

When the work was done, Don loved to golf. A longtime member of Hickory Hills Golf Club in Parker City, he proudly accomplished something few golfers ever do: shooting his age. He might not tell you how old he happened to be when he did it though.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janice; his parents, Fred and Mary Buchanan; his brother and sister-in-law, Curt and Cuba Buchanan; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Geneva and Jim Duckworth; and his in-laws, Ernest and Juanita Rodeffer.

He is survived by his daughters, Pam Hecklinski and Tammie (Darrin) Gill; his grandchildren, Stephanie (Brad) Marsh, Sacha (Josh) Burkett, and Devin Gill; and his great-grandsons, Ezekiel (9), Myles (6), Damon (3), Baker (3), and Anthony (1), who were a tremendous source of joy in his life. He also leaves behind his sister, Patty Nelson; Geneva’s children, whom he and Janice loved as their own, Kevin (Debbie) Duckworth, Greg (Nancy) Duckworth, and Kim (Wayne) Olinger; great-nieces and great-nephews Brad, Travis (Susan), Betsy, Jennifer (Mark), Winston (Emma), Nathan, Grant (Claudia); and their children.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to his beloved nurse, Jaime Kantz, and the staff at Northview Health and Living for the extraordinary love and care they showed Don.

Don spent a lifetime building: a career, a home, a family, a faith, and a legacy. He worked hard, stood firm in what he believed, and took tremendous pride in the people he loved. Less than a year after saying goodbye to Janice, his family finds comfort in knowing that they are together once again.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or a non-profit of your choice.

The family will receive visitors from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on Monday, September 28, 2026, at Garden View Funeral Home, 10501 N State Rd 3, Muncie, IN 47303.

A funeral to celebrate Don's life will immediately follow at 12:00 noon with Pastor Bruce Reynolds officiating.

Burial will take place at Gardens of Memory in Muncie.