"Buck" Larry Dow Buchanan

Larry Dow (Buck) Buchanan, 86, of Eloy, passed away December 23, 2020. Preceded in death by his wife Jirlene Daisy Packwood Tidwell, parents Harry Lafayette and Ona Ola B Buchanan, brothers Harry Lee Buchanan, Richard Wayne Buchanan, and sister Janice Yvonne Buchanan. Survived by his children James Wesley Packwood, Clarence Joe Packwood, Larry Wayne Buchanan, Gary Lee Buchanan and Charles Thomas Buchanan Also survived by 16 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
Buck Buchanan's father passed when he was only 13 years old. He and his younger brother Harry Lee went to live with their uncle Frank Kennedy for a couple of years in Ardmore Oklahoma before moving back with their mother, brother, and sister in Oklahoma City. Buck attended High School in Oklahoma City and Graduated High School. He joined the Navy at age 17 and immediately shipped out to the Korean war on a destroyer as an electrician's mate, served several tours during the Vietnam war and was promoted to Chief (E-8) and became Chief Master at Arms. He retired from the Navy after 20 years. During his time in the Navy, he escorted the following, President Lyndon B. Johnson, the President of Vietnam, the flight crew of Apollo 1, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins; Country Western Star Minnie Pearl, movie actor Robert Stack who played Elliot Ness on the TV series, along with many stars/entertainers on the Operation entertainment team. After his Navy retirement Buck was the Owner Operator of Builder's Electric Service for about 10 years Palo Verde Nuclear Plant - Electrical Maintenance and became the electrical instructor for plant electricians and contractors. Retired from Palo Verde Nuclear Plant (APS) 15 years of service. Buck also loved the rodeo, his brother Harry Lee was a bronc rider, his son Charlie was a World Class team roper and his granddaughter is a barrel racer. Buck enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, playing Texas Holdem at the Casino, weekends at Mr. Lucky's with his good friend J David Sloan along with his family/friends and loved to listen to old classic Country Western music. He was a terrible fisherman, however, Jirline loved to cat-fish, and he would take her Cat-fishing all over the state. They had a small aluminum boat for years and scared anyone who would dare come aboard. Buck had numerous family and friends from all walks of life that thought the world of Larry and he kept in constant contact with each of them. All family and friends would give the shirt off their back to Larry if he needed help. Very strong opinions and quick to speak his mind which would occasionally raise eyebrows with those that did not agree. He had and incredible work ethic his entire life and it was always difficult to keep up with his endless energy. Buck had strong faith in God, Family and Country. He loved to tell colorful stories about family, friends, and experiences throughout his life and had an incredible memory and left a wonderful legacy. He will be missed. In lieu of flowers the family requests donation be made to Wounded Warriors or Shriners Hospital in Bucks memory.