Earl Buchanan

Earl Buchanan, 86 of Smithland KY, passed away at his home on October 29, 2026. 
 
He was born Charles Earl Buchanan to Willie and Jeanette Buchanan on August 6th, 1940 in Palma, KY. 
 
Earl served in the US Army. 
 
After his time in the service, he met and married a pretty young lady from Columbia,TN in 1967. They moved back to KY near to his Marshall County roots. They settled in Livingston County in 1973. 
 
Earl owned and operated a gas station. Was a manager at Montgomery Ward. Did a short stint as a repo man for a finance company. After a few more years and plenty of life experience, Earl decided to go to college. While already working at Baptist Health,he graduated from the then Paducah Community College with his degree in mechanical engineering and a perfect 4.0 GPA at the age of 50. Earl loved learning, loved school, found mathematics and computer programming fascinating. 
 
He worked at Baptist Health for over 30 years as a mechanical engineer. He also founded Duke Of Earl software where he wrote several programs for the hospital. He retired in 2020. 
 
Earl is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years Joyce Carolyn (Milam)Buchanan of Smithland. A daughter, Tracy (Mikel) Huff of Smithland. Grandchildren, Rebecca (Zachary) Rhodes of Calvert City. Garrett Thompson of Smithland. 
 
Great grandchildren; Evie Rhodes and Ethan Rhodes of Calvert City KY. A sister, Deanna Erbel of Lakeland FL. A niece and two nephews also of Florida. Many cousins in the Marshall County area. 
 
Earl is preceded in death by his parents Willie Buchanan and Mary Jeanette (Copeland)Buchanan. An infant son, Gary Buchanan and infant daughter, Nicole Buchanan. 
Earl was of the Church of Christ faith. 
 
He was an avid runner. Completing several half marathons. Earl was a quiet man who enjoyed hiking and taking his grandchildren on weekend adventures at LBL. His legacy is one of love and commitment to family.
 
Smith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
 
There will be no service.
 
A private burial will take place at a later date.