Jerry Joe Buchanan passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior on July 24, 2026, at Clarehouse in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was 92 years and nine months old.

Jerry was born on October 12, 1933, in Tuttle, Arkansas, to Homer Lee and Leila Marie Buchanan. He was the younger brother of Harold. When Jerry was eight and a half years old, the Buchanan family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where they became active members of the 10th and Rockford Church of Christ-a foundation that would shape Jerry's lifelong commitment to faith and family.

He graduated from Tulsa Central High School in 1951 before attending Abilene Christian College. His junior year he transferred to the University of Tulsa, where he earned his degree in Marketing and Management.

On April 8, 1955, Jerry married the love of his life, Shirley Fay Marler. Together they built a marriage that spanned more than 72 years, sharing a lifetime of love, partnership, and unwavering devotion until Shirley's passing in October 2025.

Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, from June 1954 until May 1957. During his military service, he earned both the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Following his honorable discharge from active duty, he continued serving in the United States Army Reserves until February 1962.

After completing his military service, Jerry enjoyed a career in sales and marketing that took his family to seven different states. Throughout those years, he worked with companies including Miles Laboratories, Quaker Oats, Keebler, and Bama Foods. His integrity and work ethic earned the respect of his colleagues.

In 1974, Jerry and Shirley embraced a new entrepreneurial adventure by entering the unfinished furniture industry. Over the following years, they owned and operated Bix Furniture Stripping and then Raw Wood Furniture. Their work expanded beyond retail into furniture manufacturing. Jerry along with his close friend and business partner, Richard Martinez, launched Sales Team, Inc. serving as sales representatives for several major unfinished furniture manufacturers. His business success reflected both his entrepreneurial spirit and his passion for craftsmanship.

Retirement, however, was never part of Jerry's plan. In his mid-70s, he began volunteering at Sequoia Elementary School, where his genuine love for children quickly made an impact. Eventually joining the staff, he became affectionately known as "Mr. Jerry" to more than 550 students and their parents. As a parent and student liaison, he offered encouragement, guidance, and a welcoming smile that touched countless young lives and their families.

Jerry's faith in Jesus Christ was the defining foundation of his life. A devoted member of the Churches of Christ, he faithfully served as an elder in congregations in the Wheaton, Illinois area, at the 15th and Delaware Church of Christ in Tulsa, and later at Crosstown Church of Christ. He led by example, demonstrating humility, compassion, wisdom, and steadfast devotion to God and His church.

Outside of work and church, Jerry found joy in working with his hands. He was a gifted woodworker, craftsman, and builder whose projects reflected both skill and patience. He loved sports, especially NCAA softball, and treasured every opportunity to watch his great-grandsons play basketball and baseball. Jerry delighted in spending time with the people he loved.

Jerry leaves behind a legacy that lives on through his family. He is survived by his daughters, Cathy Sharpe, Debra Sawyer, and Cindy Stephens and her husband, Eddie; five grandchildren, Samantha Wood and husband Brady, Sarah Eanes and husband Matt, Suzanna Storm and husband Seth, Amy Stephens, and Steven Sharpe; and eight great-grandchildren: Cody, Braylon, Mila, Ainslee, Caroline, Annie, Madden, and Rosie.

Jerry will be remembered as a faithful Christian, devoted husband, loving father and "Papa Jerry" to his grandchildren, respected businessman, gifted craftsman, proud veteran, and trusted friend. His life was marked by integrity, humility, generosity, and a strength that influenced everyone who knew him.

Though he will be deeply missed, his family rejoices in the assurance that his faith has become sight. His legacy of love, service, and unwavering devotion to Christ will continue to inspire generations to come.

Jerry`s visitation will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026 from 6:00-8:00PM at Moore Southlawn Chapel. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 1:00PM at Crosstown Church of Christ, 3400 E. Admiral Place, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Jerry`s honor to Clarehouse, https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/clarehouse/donation-form

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