In Celebration The Life Of

Merle Bentley Buchanan

June 18, 1931 – June 6, 2025

Merle was born in Ada, Oklahoma to the parents of Roy Lee Buchanan and Ona Whitehead. He was the youngest of three other siblings: Versal, Buell, and Betsy. Merle was an athlete and gifted at baseball. He played for the American Legion, Ada High School, and triple A team St. Louis Cardinal's. In 1948, Merle was traded to the Cleveland Indians but was abruptly interrupted by being drafted into the Korean War.

Merle spent most of his 4 years in Alaska fueling planes. He tolerated the frigid weather until the last year of his contract, he was transferred to Castle Air Force Base in Merced, California. There he met a young student nurse named Loretta James at a dance on the base.

In August 1954, Merle and Loretta were married. In January 24, 1956, James Roy was born. Within the same year December 13, 1956, Lorri Ann was born and later married James Stringfield, Jr. in 1977.

In 1960 Merle was hired as a fuel truck driver for Texaco.

He retired after 30+ years with a spotless driving record.

He enjoyed his retired life in Fair Oaks and Grizzly Flats, California playing lots of golf with an average handicap of 3-5 and 8 certified hole-in-ones.

Merle had four Grandkids: Ralph and Maegan Duran; James and Julie Stringfield.

Five Great Grandkids: Brittany Andersen, Blake, and Brooklyn Stringfield; Gwen and Maeva Duran; and one Great Great grandchild: Hudson Andersen.

He will be missed by all that knew him!