Melvin Lester Buchanan was born in Fairfield, Illinois on August 28, 1926. The first born son of James and Novella (Harris) Buchanan. Melvin married Marie Lee on January 9, 1948 on Wayne County, Illinois and remained married until her death in 1991.
A Wayne County resident his whole life, Melvin proudly operated The Buchanan Texaco station on Main street, welcoming long time customers with donuts, coffee and a bit of conversation until his retirement in 1990. A lifelong tinkerer, Melvin never met something that was broken that he wouldn’t attempt to fix. He was known for saying he was “doing alright with what I’ve got to do with.” A friend to all, but especially children and animals, Melvin enjoyed fishing, horseshoes, and intense games of checkers.
Melvin is survived by his daughter, Vicki Tessler, granddaughter Katherine (David) Kirby of St. Louis, and many nieces and nephews.
Melvin was proceeded in death by his parents, his wife Marie Buchanan, Special friend Hazel Wilkerson, four brothers and two sisters.
The family would like to especially thank the staff at Cisne Rehabilitation center for their love and care, especially his Grand Niece Jaclyn Pearce, who is, in his opinion, on her way to being the best nurse in the country.
The family asks that you think of Melvin fondly, and perhaps have a piece of pie, of which he only liked two kinds, hot and cold
Visitation for Melvin Buchanan will be held at Nale’s Funeral Home on Thursday, December 30th from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Graveside services will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Richland Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Friends of the Library and will be accepted at Nale’s Funeral Home.
Please remember CDC guidelines of social distancing. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.nalesfuneralhome.com. Nale’s Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.