Duane R. "Digger" Buchanan

Fremont, Utah - Duane Reuben Buchanan, age 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after a long battle with Parkinson’s on January 13, 2025, in Price, Utah. He was born on February 21, 1934, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Reuben Lorenzo and Sophia Veronica Chavez Buchanan. 8 days after his birth his mother passed away and his father later remarried Anne Soffe. He grew up in Manti working in the family mortuary business. He graduated from Manti High School in 1953.

Duane joined the United States Air Force in November of 1953 and served for over 20 years moving all over the country. While in the Air Force, he served 1 year in the Vietnam war. He married the love of his life Viola Jackson on September 13, 1954, in Spokane, Washington and 6 weeks later on October 18, their marriage was solemnized in the Manti Utah LDS Temple. They were blessed with 10 children. After retiring from the Air Force, he became the Chief of Police in Ephraim, Wayne county sheriff and served as a Wayne County Commissioner.

He was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in 4 bishoprics, Bishop of the Fremont Ward and Manti Temple worker with his wife. Duane and Viola served a mission in Utica New York.

After retiring they became snowbirds, wintering in Quartzsite, riding 4 wheelers and enjoying the warm weather making lots of cherished friends and camp hosting at Fish Lake during the summer for many years. Later in life he took up wood working making lots of things for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to cherish.

Duane is survived by his loving wife of 70 years Viola Buchanan; his children: Cyndee (Scott) Turner, D.R. (Karen) Buchanan, all of Richfield; Doug (Karen) Buchanan of Bear River, Wyoming; Maeleen (Bryant) Snow of Orangeville; Les (Kary) Buchanan of South Jordon; Leisa (Bret) Hilton of Bicknell; Jennifer (Jason) Haywood of Central Valley; 62 Grandchildren, 50 Great Grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson; siblings: Jerry Steck, of Ephriam, Gail (Pam) Buchanan, sister-in-law, Gail Buchanan, both of Manti. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Darrell, Wally, Ruby and Jean; son: Kenny Buchanan; infant twins: Paul and Paula; great grandson: Aiden; and a great granddaughter: Abby.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. in the Fremont LDS Ward Chapel. Friends may call for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home in Richfield, Monday evening from 6:00 to 8:00pm or Tuesday morning at the ward chapel in Fremont from 10:00 to 12:30 prior to the services.

Live streaming of the services can be found at: www.springerturner.com under Duane’s obituary about 15 minutes prior to starting time.

Burial with military honors accorded by the Harold Brown American Legion Post #92 and the United States Air Force Honor Guard will be held in the Fremont Cemetery Under the care of Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.