Joel B. Buchanan, 80, of Commodore, PA died Sunday, May 12, 2024 at his home.
The son of Earl E. and Winona I. (Dixon) Buchanan, he was born August 27, 1943 in Homer City, PA.
Joel was a graduate of United High School.
He wed Lois J. Learn on February 21, 1970. Joel and Lois shared over fifty-four years of marriage and their family grew to include two children.
A member of the New Life Lutheran Church, Joel had formerly served his church as a reader and assisted with communion.
For most of Joel’s career, he was employed as a tractor trailer driver. Prior to this occupation, he was a heavy equipment operator at a coal strip mine and worked as a butcher at Handy Andy’s in Indiana, PA and with Giant Food in Silver Spring, MD.
An accomplished amateur photographer, Joel truly loved taking photos, especially of natural landscapes. He enjoyed traveling and was proud to have visited all fifty states, two Canadian provinces and a great many of our country’s national parks. He received a “50th State” certificate from North Dakota, the last state he visited.
Joel was an outdoorsman and an avid hunter. He generously shared his love of the sport by mentoring young hunters. Even in recent years, Joel would butcher deer for friends.
One of his favorite hobbies was carpentry. Among his many carpentry projects, Joel crafted his own gun stocks.
He thoroughly loved spending time with his wife, children and family, including his beloved cat, Gracie.
Joel is survived by his wife, Lois Learn Buchanan of Commodore, PA; daughter, Jennifer Buchanan Rapach and husband Mike of Pittsburgh, PA, son, Adam E. Buchanan of Commodore, PA, sister, Patricia Hilliard and husband Ron of Brush Valley, PA and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dale Buchanan and his nephew, Rob Buchanan.
Family and friends will be received on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until Noon, the time of the funeral service, at the New Life Lutheran Church, 1209 Leroy Road, Marion Center, PA 15759. Pastor Arlene Schweitzer will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be forwarded to the New Life Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 219, Marion Center, PA 15759.
Arrangements are with the assistance of the Rairigh Funeral Home, Ltd. in Hillsdale, PA. Visit www.rairighfh.com to sign Joel’s guestbook and share condolences.
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