Charles S. Buchanan, 86, of Toledo, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, January 25, 2015. He was born August 10, 1928 in Lake Twp., MI to Finley and Katherine (Dominique) Buchanan. He graduated in 1946 from Macomber HS. He served our country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a Military Police Officer being honorably discharged as a Corporal.
He was employed at Sun Oil Refining Company for 42 years as a carpenter and served as a union steward with the OCAW Local 5-912 and recipient of the Keeping the Dream Award in 1999. Charles along with other colleagues, were honored for instituting a “scrap metal fund” to raise funds for fuel for the Mercy-St. Vincent Life Flight. He served his community in various capacities including being a Jr. Achievement Advisor and a cub scout and boy scout leader at the East Toledo Family Center. Charles was a founding member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church where he volunteered served as a church elder. He was a member of the Northwood VFW Post 2984 and the Christ Dunberger American Legion Post 537.
He was respected and held in highest esteem among his family, friends, neighborhood and coworkers; everyone who knew him, loved him and affectionately dubbed him “one tough old bird”. He enjoyed spending time with his family, family vacations, camping at Lazy River Campground, Dominique family reunions and parties.
Charles is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Caroline; children, Charles Buchanan, Debra Buchanan, Dennis Buchanan, Christine Buchanan-Marchal (Dennis Marchal) and Jodi Buchanan-Grel (Eric Grel); grandchildren, Jacob Buchanan and Jinnelle Buchanan-Johnson-Jarrett (Clint) and great-grandchildren, Jordan Johnson, Evan Grel, Charlie Grel and Isaiah Grel. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Diane Buchanan; parents; and brother, George Buchanan.
Family and friends may visit the Freck Funeral Chapel, 1155 S. Wynn Rd, Oregon, on Thursday, January 29, 2015 from 2-8 p.m. with the Funeral Service to be held in the funeral home at 11 a.m. on Friday. Burial will follow at Willow Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or Senior Independence Hospice.