Elmer “Buck” Buchanan, a resident of Dallas, passed away Feb. 12 in Salem Hospital.

He was born March 8, 1923, in Burns, the son of Harold and Laura McFadden. Later in life, Buck was adopted by his stepfather, Roy Buchanan, and was known by that name all of his adult life. Buck met Donna Muno at Oregon State University during the WWII years. Buck married Donna Dec. 29, 1946, in the Oregon City United Methodist Church.  Buck served in the Army Air Corps during WWII. They lived in Woodburn where they owned and operated the local bowling alley for 11 years. Buck had been a member of the Woodburn Jaycees. They settled in Dallas in 1958, where Buck and Donna owned and operated the Dallas and Monmouth Ben Franklin stores until their retirement. Buck was awarded Oregon retailer of the year in 1982. Buck was very active in the Dallas community, serving on the Dallas school board, Dallas Rotary and Breakfast in the Park, KIDS INC., MDA area coordinator, and Buck and Donna also hosted Rotary exchange students. Buck was one of several who founded the annual Dallas Krazy Days. He enjoyed serving the Dallas community or raising their family here. Buck was part of the group that helped build the Dallas High School football stadium. Buck and Donna, Curt Lamb, and Mel Gibson were the founders of Dallas Kids Inc., which continues on today helping Dallas youth sports programs. He was a member of the Dallas United Methodist Church. His wife of 60 years, Donna, passed away June 18, 2006. In 2009, Buck exchanged vows with a longtime friend, Rose Livesay, and they were blessed with each other’s companionship.

He is survived by Rose Livesay; his children, Karyn Buchanan, Claudia Drill, Conni Anderson, and Rod Buchanan; along with 13 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Buck’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 29, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Dallas. Memorial contributions may be made to Dallas Education Foundation, Dallas Rotary Scholarship Program or the Dallas Blue Dolphin Swim Team, in care of Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center who is caring for the family. To leave an online condolence for the family go to www.dallastribute.com