 DONALD BUCHANANTITUSVILLE Donald D. Buchanan passed away Monday June 13,2005 at the age of 82. He was born in Macon, GA his family moved to Lynchburg, VA when he was six months old. He entered the Army Air Corp in 1941 and served until the war was over. In 1945, he married Jean Peters and entered the University of Virginia. He began his career in 1949 with the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics after graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1956 he joined the Army Ballistic Missile Agency at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama and was responsible for the design and development of launching equipment and facilities for missiles and space vehicles. In July of 1960 he transferred to NASA and continued responsibilities for the design and development of the Saturn 1 and 1B launchers, Umbilical Towers, Deflectors, Hold Down Arms, Transporters, Erection and Handling Equipment at Kennedy Space Center. In July 1965 he transferred to Kennedy Space Center and was given the task of over- seeing the design and development of the launch facilities at Launch Complex 39 where the Saturn 5 took men to the moon, and where the Space Shuttle is currently launched. He served as Chief Design Engineer from 1967 until his retirement in 1981. From 1981 until 1987 he was a launch facilities consultant for several large aerospace companies. He was twice awarded the NASA Exceptional Service Medal; The Distinguished Service Medal (NASAs highest award), The Medal for Exceptional Engineering Achievement, and numerous NASA Group Awards. In 1969 he was awarded the Royal Automobile Clubs Diamond Jubilee Trophy, the worlds premier automotive transport honor for the design, development and construction of the Crawler- Transporter. In 1995 the National Space foundation presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award. He was passionate about golf, woodworking and genealogy. He was past President and Treasurer of the Brevard Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. Donald is preceded in death by his son Michael, and is survived by his wife Jean of 59 years; his daughters, Suellen Chandler of Pebble Beach, CA, and Joanne Scully of Lakewood, WA; daughter in law, Barbara Solow of Ft. Collins, CO; son, Lee Buchanan of Titusville; and five grandchildren. His family has lost a good husband and father, and the world has lost a great man. Family will receive friends at the North Brevard Funeral Home Wednesday, June 15, 2005 between 6 PM and 8 PM. The memorial service will be at Park Avenue Baptist Church Thursday June l6, 2005 at 2 PM. The family has asked in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospice of St. Francis, or The Lords Garden at Park Avenue Baptist Church. |
