NEIL BUCHANAN, COCOA

Neil L. Buck Buchanan, 68, the Manager of Operations at the Kennedy Space Center, passed away, Friday, February 29, 2008, at the Florida Hospital in Orlando, FL.

Born in Chadron, NE, he was the son of the late Forrest and Nellie (Rhoads) Buchanan. He was the beloved husband of Virginia (Warnock) Buchanan for the past 39 years.

Neil had been employed at the Kennedy Space Center since 1966 presently serving as United Space Alliances Manager of Operations and Maintenance Implementation. He was a former manager of the ground systems support staff. Throughout the years he has received several Outstanding Performance Awards including the Astronaut Silver Snoopy Award and a Public Service Medal. He will be fondly remembered as an outstanding manager, co-worker and friend.

Neil was a U.S. Navy veteran and a former member of the Elks Lodge in Chadron, NE. He was an avid sportsman with a true love of the outdoors, enjoy ing hunting, fishing and scuba diving with family and friends.

Neil was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, leaving to cherish his memories are his beloved wife, Virginia (Warnock) Buchanan; daughter, Callie and her husband, MIke McMunigal; his adored grandchildren, Cade and Maiya McMunigal. Neil will always be remembered for doing the little things in life that meant so much and will be sadly missed by all those who, loved and knew him.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, March 6, 2008 at 10 a.m., at Florida Memorial Funeral Home, 5950 U.S. Hwy. 1, Rockledge, followed by burial with military honors in Florida Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory would be greatly appreciated to the Hydrocephalus Research Guild, HRG, in memory of Neil L. Buchanan, P.O. Box 141, Woodinville, WA 98072.