Thomas Ambrose Buchanan

Thomas (Tom) Ambrose Buchanan was born on his parents’ farm near Tonganoxie, Kansas on November 3, 1932. He was the youngest and last survivor of the nine children of James Joseph and Mary Beatrice (McNulty) Buchanan. Tom attended several elementary schools in Eastern Kansas as his family resided in various places in the area as tenant farmers. The family moved to Cass County, Missouri in 1944, then finally settled at Garden City, Missouri where Tom enlisted in the USAF in 1954. During his service time, he met the love of his life, Gladys Hicks when he was stationed at Orlando AFB in Florida. Tom and Gladys were married on February 2, 1957 at the Orlando AFB Chapel. After his service in the Air Force, Tom attended the University of Missouri and graduated with a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering. He then worked for the Boeing company living in various locations until March 1970. Tom and Gladys then settled their family in Pensacola, FL where they operated the first Radio Shack franchise in the area. Tom was especially pleased that he and Gladys not only had a very strong, faith-based marriage but were also exceptionally good business partners. They later opened a wholesale electronics distributorship, TAB Sales Co., and built a rental property business. Additionally, Tom worked for E-Systems in Winchester, KY from 1988-1995. While in Kentucky, both Tom and Gladys earned private pilot’s licenses and thoroughly enjoyed many hours of flying time. Tom retired from E-Systems in 1995 and he and Gladys returned to Pensacola permanently. Through the years, Tom was fully involved with his family, church, and community. He was a member of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Local Chapter 485 Young Eagles Program for 3 years during which time he flew over 120 children as part of the chapter’s aviation education program. Tom was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and he served at St. Mary's Catholic Church in the Perpetual Adoration Chapel and as a Lector. Tom also donated 30 gallons of platelets at the local blood bank. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by all those who knew him, and was especially known for his broad smile, keen wit, and generous spirit. According to Tom himself, he is now "Cleared to final destination!” He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Gladys M. Hicks Buchanan, mother, Mary B. McNulty Buchanan; father, James J. (Dallas) Buchanan, eight siblings, son, Patrick M. Buchanan, and beloved daughter-in-law, Birgit Buchanan. Tom is survived by his children: Timothy (Jeanie), Michael, Joseph, and Nancy; ten grandchildren: Justin, Brian, Arielle, David (Michelle), Megan (Jade), Dirk, Sunnie (Ian), Christopher (Ariel), Michael, and Jacob; great grandson, Noah; nephew, Jim Bradley (Jenny) of Arizona; niece, Barbara Anderson of Missouri and many other relatives and friends who will miss him greatly. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 10:00 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church. The Celebrant will be Fr. Pathe. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Wounded Warriors https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org or St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus. Faith Chapel Funeral Home, 100 Beverly Pkwy, is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www. fcfhs.com

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Thomas Ambrose Buchanan

November 3, 1932 - September 9, 2021