Jerry Cleek Buchanan
November 20, 1940 ~ November 3, 2021
Jerry Cleek Buchanan, 80, of Columbus, passed away November 3, 2021 at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility.
Jerry was born November 20, 1940 in Canaan, Indiana, the son of Gordon and Leila Buchanan. He married Janice Ernstes Bostic January 6, 1987.
Jerry is survived by his wife; his children Jerry Rae (Jennifer) Buchanan of Indianapolis, Mike (Amy) Buchanan of Columbus, as well as Jolinda Buchanan of Columbus; step-children Anthony Lawrence (Sandra) Bostic, Michael D. Bostic and Juie Rae (Malcolm) Redd all of Shelbyville; grandchildren Haley (Kyle) Endres Buchanan, Jacob Robert (Allie) Buchanan, and Grace Buchanan; step-grandchildren Malori (James) Raison, Taylor (Nick) Dych, Tyler & Riley Cobb, David (Haley) Bostic, Kyle Bostic, Everett, Stuart, and Rebecca Bryan; great-grandchildren Miriam, Levi, and Ethan Buchanan, and Madilyn Endres; step-great-grandchildren Sylvie & Henry Dych, Matthew and Daken Raison, and Mason Cobb; as well as brothers James (Betty) Buchanan of Columbus and John (Karen) Buchanan of Canaan, Indiana.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Richard, Dennis, and Roger Buchanan; and a step-great-grandchild Tressa Meek.
Jerry was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving during the Cold War and was employed by Cummins Engine Company, retiring on February 1, 2001 after 41 years of service. While at Cummins, he was able to obtain and hold two different patents. Jerry drove a church bus, and after retirement, he drove a school bus for BCSC. Jerry loved being a bus driver, and every child he came in contact with held a special place in his heart. He loved to garden as well, and was a certified Master Gardener. He maintained two large gardens, and was especially fond of growing gourds. He and his wife were missionaries, traveling to many places throughout the world including Kenya, Jamaica, India, Haiti, and Mexico. They would help build schools as well as any other kinds of repairs that might be needed. For many years, Jerry was a little league coach for the Cummin’s Team at Lincoln Park. Most of all, Jerry loved attending events for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday November 9, 2021 at the Jewell – Rittman Family Funeral Home with Larry Detwiler officiating. Military Rites will be performed by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. Monday November 8, 2021 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service Tuesday. Burial will be at Garland Brook Cemetery.
Memorials contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.
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While there are many more able interactions and memories of uncle Jerry, two of which always keep coming forward in my thoughts.
First, it seamed no matter the occasion, Uncle Jerry would always show up bearing a gift of some kind. It didn’t matter if it was a random Saturday showing up on the farm to tend his garden, he would always stop by our house and drop off something. It shows his testament and how much he enjoyed family.
Secondly, Jerry had the most unique croquet stance of anyone who stood the test of a Bacon Ridge classic croquet game. While most upstanding players would hit standing tall, mallet between the legs, not Jerry. He insisted on some crazy side swing, more often than not involved getting down on one knee in order to strike his ball. I still haven’t figured out if he was within the rules or not, then again, not many rules existed on Bacon Ridge. Some of my fondest memories of uncle Jerry took place on that playing field.
Moira, Mark and Elizabeth purchased the Full Of Love Bouquet for the family of Jerry Cleek Buchanan.
Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Jerry Cleek Buchanan.
Jim & Arlene Ernstes purchased the Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for the family of Jerry Cleek Buchanan.
Emerald Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Jerry Cleek Buchanan.
Jerry was always a competitive croquet player, along with the rest of the brothers. I recall a funny episode that occurred during our frequent games at the Buchanan homestead. Jerry Rae, his son, was just learning to play with the big boys. He had made contact with a competitors ball and Big Jerry wanted JR to get a good send on the competitors ball. So Big Jerry held JR’s ball with his foot so JR could get a good swing at the ball. JR swung his mallet with all his strength and missed the ball but hit Big Jerry on the ankle!
Sweet Tenderness was purchased for the family of Jerry Cleek Buchanan.
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Jerry Cleek Buchanan.
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Full Of Love Bouquet was purchased for the family of Jerry Cleek Buchanan.
Florist Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Jerry Cleek Buchanan.
Janie-You are in my thoughts & prayers!
I worked with Jerry in Midrange at Cummins. He was one of the kindest, most genuine person I’ve ever known. Fly high, Jerry…you were one in a million.
Patty Osterman
Thoughts and prayers to Jerry Rae, Michael and Jolinda on the passing of your father! The Imlay family
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Jerry Cleek Buchanan.