Douglas Buchanan, age 97, of Bloomsburg, died on Friday, September 13, 2013, under the compassionate care of Columbia Montour Hospice at Maria Hall, Danville. Doug was most recently a resident of Maria Hall and the Meadows in Danville, but lived most of his life in Main Township and Sherwood Village
Doug was born on Sunday, February 13, 1916 in Philipstown, New York, a son of the late Alexander and Jean (Cowie) Buchanan. Throughout his earlier years, Doug attended and later graduated with the 1934 graduating class of the Babylon High School in Babylon, New York. Following his high school education, Doug attended the CW Post College of Queenvale in Long Island, and also the State University of New York in Farmingdale, New York. Following his education, Doug served with the Civilian Conservation Corps until 1936.
In 1945, Doug enlisted with the United States Navy during World War II, and served his country faithfully aboard the U.S.S. Colorado. After returning home from the war, Doug returned to his employment as a draftsman with the Engineering Department for Grumman Aero Space for over 36 years. Prior to his retirement in 1977, Doug was proudly awarded the Apollo Achievement Award after the first landing on the moon on July 20, 1969. Doug worked on the first lunar module for that successful mission, and his name was left on the moon's surface with that module. Following his retirement, he worked as a freelance Industrial Consultant with the Ideas, Innovations and Inventions Company until 1980.
Locally, Doug served as the former Treasurer of the Main Township Fire Company, a founding member of the Susquehanna Retired Men's Club, the Children's Museum in Bloomsburg, the AARD Tax Aide Program, the Pennsylvania Volunteer Fireman's Relief Association, and volunteered with the PA Pets Program in Bloomsburg. Doug was a very active community volunteer, and will always be remembered a kind and considerate gentleman.
On July 31, 1993, Doug was preceded by his beloved wife, Doris (Sundman) Buchanan. He was also preceded by a daughter: Robin J. Lorelli in 1991; a granddaughter: Kirstin L. Lorelli in 1990; a grandson: Scott Buchanan in 1975; two sisters: Margaret Brennan and Elizabeth Buchanan; and three brothers: Robert Buchanan, Alexander Buchanan and James Buchanan.
Survivors include a son: Donald S. Buchanan and wife, Jan, of Deltona, FL; three grandchildren: Joyce, Richard and Sherrie; two great-grandchildren; and a son-in-law: James T. Lorelli and wife, Kathy, of Bloomsburg.
A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, September 20 at 10 a.m. at the Elan Memorial Park Cemetery, Old Berwick Road in Lime Ridge with Rev. David Pierce of the First Presbyterian Church, officiating. The Buchanan family is being assisted by the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg.
Memorial contributions in Doug's name are suggested to: Main Township Fire Co., 260 Scenic Ave., Bloomsburg or the Children's Museum, 2 W. 7th Street, Bloomsburg.