Buchan was born October 18, 1937, in Baxley to George and Jessie Brown Buchan. He had lived in Southeast Georgia all of his life and in Wayne County since 2009.

Buchan was a United States Navy veteran, serving from 1958-59. He was an avid bowler, enjoyed fishing and gardening, was a Georgia Bulldog football fan, and loved NASCAR racing.

Buchan retired from Georgia Pacific in 1995, after 35 years in the Gypsum Plant.

In addition to his parents, Buchan was preceded in death by his brothers, James, Eugene, Daniel and Gerald; and a granddaughter, Ashley Tiner.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Betty Jo Buchan of Hortense; children, Tricia Horne (Jimmy) of Brunswick, Pamela Bauchman of Jacksonville Beach, Fla., Angie Drew (Jim Hyde) of St. Simons Island, Donald A Buchan, Jr., of Jacksonville, Fla., Charles Tiner (Vicky), Mary 'Missy' Buchan, and Shannon Durrence (Jimmie), all of Brunswick; a brother, Clayton Buchan of Chicago, Ill., a sister, Frances Walker of Jesup; grandchildren, Nick Roundtree (Courtney), Lauren Baker (John), Kennith Horne, Amber Thomas (Luther), James Drew (Susannah), Taylor Drew, Nicole Durrence, Dylan Turner, Jordan Durrence (Maddison), Tiffany Smith, Brooke Cooksey and Skylar Tiner (Hunter McDaniel); great grandchildren, Tristan Roundtree, Magnolia, Killian and Ruari Baker, Aubrey Jane Thomas, Braden and Kashlynn Drew, Kellum, Thomas and Sammy Drew, Rhyleigh Durrence, K.C. Cason, Mariah Cameryn and Kinston Cooksey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held Thursday, February 27, 2025 at Chapman Funeral Chapel with Brother Nick Roundtree and Dr. Don Spires officiating.

Burial with military honors was held Friday, February 28, 2025 in the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville.

Chapman Funeral Chapel & Crematory was in charge of arrangements.