Deacon Ronald Lee Buchanan

Deacon Ronald L. Buchanan was born on December 8, 1951 in Des Moines, Iowa to Leslie Buchanan Sr. and Elizabeth Buchanan. He was a lifelong resident of the Des Moines area, growing up on Grove Street. He married Juanita Buchanan and they had three children, Tina, Alisa, and Ronald. Ron was later united in marriage to Anita (Smith) Buchanan on May 31, 2003. He welcomed into his family her children, DeAndre, London, and LaToya.

As a teenager, Ron enjoyed hunting pheasant and rabbit. He also had a love for music, specifically Sam Cook, Marvin Gaye, and the Temptations, and enjoyed watching television including Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Two and a Half Men, and lots of reruns. He served as a Deacon for Morning Star Baptist Church under Reverend Crawford and at Greater Life Baptist Church under Pastor Leslie Buchanan Jr.

Ron’s work history included Des Moines Brickyard, Des Moines Public Schools, Des Moines Police Department, Western Electric, Meredith Corporation, PPGI, and Homes of Oakridge. He retired in 2018.

Family was most important to Ron and he loved to gather with family. He especially loved bar-be-que and will be remembered for his ribs which were the best in the world.

Ron passed away Sunday, January 3, 2021 at the age of 69.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 18 years, Anita; children, Tina Buchanan (Alfred Well), Alisa Buchanan, and Ronald (Monica) Buchanan; step-children, DeAndre Smith (Lok Deng), London Cropp-Smith (Kelsie Gould), LaToya Cropp-Smith; grandchildren, Seandrea Buchanan, Rahsean Jenkins, Seantrel Jenkins, Michael Caridine, Andrew Buchanan, Sirreginald Lyke, Demarius Rushing, Tiosheon Rushing, Clasean Stallworth, Treseanae Robinson, Tisean Buchanan, Deshawn Burke, Kalona Burke, Rontazah Buchanan, Ronshalay Buchanan, Jaheim Settles, Royal Buchanan, Ronaziah Buchanan, Zavion Cowell, Alaysia Outlaw, Ronald, Buchanan, Sergio Buchanan, Shamara Buchanan, LaRontez Buchanan; step-grandchildren, DeCelion Smith, DeMonie Smith, Maiya Brown, DeAndre Smith Jr, Demetrious Smith, Dvemeir Smith, Damu Smith, Niko Cropp-Smith; numerous great-grandchildren; siblings, Donald Cheaton Sr, Lillian Austin, Leslie Buchanan Jr., Lee Artis Buchanan, Loretta Buchanan Gates, Harmon Buchanan, and Glenda Echos Barker; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie Sr. and Elizabeth Buchanan; siblings, Benjamine Cheatom, Jimmy Buchanan, Glen Echos, and Valetta Buchanan; grandson, Ronald Andrew Buchanan Jr. (Buck); and his beloved niece, Adrienne S. Buchanan Pope (A.A.).

Services will be held Friday, January 15, 2021 at Morning Star Baptist Church, 3322 East 25th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50317. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery.

The family requests those attending the visitation and service to wear a mask and maintain social distance.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Ron.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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