Ickey "Ike" Lee Buchanan's Obituary
A precious one from us has gone, a voice we loved is stilled,
A place is vacant in our home which never can be filled,
And after a lonely heartache, and many a silent tear,
We’ll always have a beautiful memory of one we loved so dear.
Ickey “Ike” Lee Buchanan was born February 25, 1943, to James & Veronica (Spates) Buchanan and Larry (Irene) Boone. He transitioned to be with the LORD on January 11, 2026 in his home surrounded by the love of his family.
Growing up in Mississippi, though having its challenges, compelled Ike to strive to become the man he experienced with his dad, James. He graduated from Woodland High School in his hometown of Shannon, Mississippi, and quickly began his endeavors in becoming a man of work and effort. He worked many jobs including custodial work at North Mississippi Medical. There, he continued to curate his discipline and hard work ethic.
With purpose, determination, and steadfastness, Ike traveled north to Iowa in 1960 where he continued to build his legacy. He began working at the Illinois Central Railroads, followed by being employed with John G. Miller Construction building highways. He later went on to continue his education at Hawkeye Community College earning his welding certificate in 1968. Upon completion he joined with Ryder as a mechanic and standby driver until his retirement in 1991. Wherever Ike’s endeavors, he became loved by all.
It was not only in his conviction to work hard in order to support the needs and necessities of life, but in the fruitfulness of life came family to build a legacy that would last forever. In 1967 he married Margarite Love to which they had three children. They later divorced. He later met the love of his life in 1980 who would become his life partner in every capacity, marrying Mary (O’Neal) on February 14th, 2000. To that union were brought, loved, and raised 5 children.
Though quiet and humble Ike was full of wisdom, that wisdom increased as he grew in experience and expertise. He knew that anything that must be done could not be done alone. At an early age he knew that there was only One that could get him through life’s difficult times, and he quickly learned to put his faith and trust in Jesus Christ as his LORD and Savior. He became a devout member of Shilliam Avenue Church of God in Christ, becoming an ordained Deacon. He encouraged those around him to “taste and see” of the LORD’s goodness rather than forcing a religious experience. Witty and wise, anyone that sat long enough would definitely get a lecture or life lesson.
Ike was considered a “jack of all trades” enjoying many hobbies and activities with friends and loved ones. He could be seen at Hardee’s weekly, enjoying coffee and great conversation with friends. Ike was known to show his skill on ANY table, often being victorious in a game of spades or dominoes. He was a skilled pool player and loved baseball all while being an avid bowler. He was an early member of InterCity MC and loved attending roundups or just cruising around on one of his motorcycles. He enjoyed driving down to Mississippi (or anywhere his Cadillac could take him) spending time with family and friends, showing his children the many things he was taught as a child. Going to nursing homes and visiting the sick and shut-in were other frequent past times.
He was a truehearted outdoorsman. He enjoyed gardening, growing many things that would feed those invited to the table- and many were invited. He loved fishing and hunting and would often be found selling just about any of his caught game rather it would be fish, rabbit, squirrel, or coon to name a few. One thing was for sure he always knew how to prepare it and make it taste good! He would often grill on as well as sell his self-made barrel grills. He enjoyed doing snow removal and yard work, not only for his household, but in true Ike fashion, for those he loved and cared for; and for those cold days he knew just what to brew up to keep those close to him warm.
Ike’s heart was always outward facing, and everyone around him knew exactly what he was feeling. He was a man known for standing on his word, and though he played no games and took nothing from anyone, his love was infectious and everyone around him knew his love. He was a fierce protector and a lover of his family, being able to command and calm a room with just his presence. His love was accessible to all and became affectionately known as Papa to all the foster and daycare children as they knew his care was genuinely authentic.
Ike was known as a man of love and pursuit, and it is the legacy that he instilled in his children and all those connected to him. He leaves to cherish his legacy and memory 14 children he was blessed with: Daughters: Blondie (Marty) Wade of Saltillo, MS, Alice Kendall of North Carolina, D’Lesia (Bill) Minor of the Quad Cities, Lillie Phillips, Veronica Buchanan, Titania (David) Buchanan, Shayla Buchanan. Sons: Larry Buchanan, Lee Buchanan, Derrick (Heather) Buchanan of Marion, IA, Markus Ambrose, Isaiah (Aneesha) Buchanan, Toyreon Buchanan, and De’Amonte Buchanan all of Waterloo, IA; extended children: Julie (Isaac) Phillips, Jasmine Anderson, and Vanna Whitis; God children: Tenaya Stevenson, Ja’mirea Smith, A’kariyon Smith, Kamora Jackson, and Dynasty Parrow; Sisters: JanieV Burley, Linda Walker, Patricia Shumpert and Meldora (Benjamin) Dilworth all of Mississippi; Brothers: Willie “Beenie” (Ethel) Buchanan and Tommie (Sheila) Buchanan both of Mississippi; Special nephews: Raimond O’Neal-Murphy, Anthony O’Neal, and Mykel O’Neal; 28 grandchildren, as well as a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins family and friends.
He is preceded in death by: his parents, sons: James and June Cryer, daughter: Brenda Tyler, sisters: Shirley Owens, Jackie Adams, and Barbara Spratt, brother: James Buchanan, brothers-in-law George Walker, Sylvester Shumpert, Williiam Spratt, and Willie Burley, special extended daughter Jada Mills.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
The Sanders Service
What’s your fondest memory of Ickey?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ickey?
Share a story where Ickey's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ickey you’ll never forget.
How did Ickey make you smile?
