Lauren Buchanan

Lauren 'Barry' Buchanan passed away on December 10, 2016, at the age of 79, surrounded by family at his home in Medina, Texas. Barry was born in San Antonio, Texas, to Mildred Fay and Lauren Lafayette Buchanan on October 6, 1937. \r\n\r\nBarry graduated from Jefferson High School in 1955 and joined the U.S. Navy. He had to spend the first week of service in the Navy wearing his civilian moccasin shoes, as the Navy did not have military shoes to fit his size 15 feet. Barry would forever more be nicknamed "Bigfoot". Barry served on the USS Iowa as a Signalman, with his duties carrying him across the world - including the Arctic. Barry told his family that it was at this time, he vowed to never be lonely again. When he was discharged from the Navy, he met the love of his life, Yvonne Marie Robertson. He and Yvonne eloped to Lockhart, Texas,and married on August 1, 1959. They then went on to have five children, who then gave them eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. So, it's safe to say Barry was never lonely again.\r\n\r\nBarry attended San Antonio College and worked several jobs to support a growing family. After college, Barry worked as a Surveyor for the City Public Service during the day, and worked servicing residential air conditioners at night. From the 1960's to early 70's, Barry worked in the air conditioning industry, including running B&R Air Conditioning with his good friend and mentor, John Runkel, in San Antonio, Texas. In 1973, Barry and Yvonne decided to moveto the Brazoria County, Texas area, where they started Texas Gulf Refrigeration (TGR), in Clute, Texas. Barry would start each day in his one and only service truckpraying "Thy Will be Done". With Barry's faith, hard work, and professionalism, the business slowly grew over the years - evolving into a very successful business with over 40 employees. Barry was considered by many in the industry to be a pioneer in the designing and manufacturing of commercial mobile air conditioners. \r\n\r\nBarry and Yvonne traveled to Venezuela a business trip in 1974 and met their life long friends, Dean and Geraldine White. Dean and Barry shared many years of deer hunting, joint business ventures, and general mischievousness.Barry enjoyed his time with his dear friend Dean, and their story telling filledevery room with joy and laughter.\r\n\r\nIn 1991, Barry and Yvonne moved to Medina, Texas, to their beautiful escape on the river. The love of his family was his top priority in life. He so enjoyed his children and their families coming and visiting him in Medina, swimming in the river, and riding four wheelers. One of his favorite past times was souping up his 1940 Ford Coupe, and taking a spin with his gorgeous bride thru the Texas hill country. Barry's favorite phrase was always "Life is Good!" while looking into the faces of his family.\r\n\r\nBarry was preceded in death by his loving wife, Yvonne Marie Buchanan, his father, Lauren Lafayette Buchanan, his mother, Mildred Fay Schweitzer and his sister, Beverly Gaye Cantu. He is survived by daughter, Laura Buchanan Ripple and husband Don Ray Ripple of Cedar Hill, Texas, son Lauren Barry "Bubba" Buchanan Jr. and wife Tonya of Lake Jackson, Texas, daughter Lisa Dianne Buchanan of Wimberley, Texas, daughter Lynn Buchanan Shelton and husband Gerald of Angleton, Texas, and daughter Lia Buchanan Cloudt and husband Eric of Pipe Creek, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Ryan Joseph Ripple, LaurenEvonne Shelton, Lauren Marie Wiemers, Jess Elizabeth Shelton, Chad Lafayette Buchanan and wife Alyssa Buchanan, Cameron Daniel Buscher and Courtney Negley, Collin Michael Buscher, Travis Benton Buchanan,Dalton Tyler Shelton, CarmaRhayeCloudt, Cyalie Yvonne Buchanan, Benton Monroe Cloudt, West Lafayette Cloudt, Colton Walker Buchanan and great grandchildren Kali Jade Buchanan and Kane Lafayette Buchanan.\r\n\r\nVisitation will be from 6pm-8pm Tuesday, December 13th, 2016 at Brazos Pointe Fellowship in Lake Jackson, Texas.\r\n\r\nFuneral Services will be held at 3:00pm on Wednesday, December 14th, 2016 at Brazos Pointe Fellowship in Lake Jackson, Texas.\r\n\r\nGraveside Services will be held at 11am on Friday, December 16, 2016 at Oak Rest Cemetery in Medina, Texas. \r\n\r\nPallbearers will be Ryan Ripple, Chad Buchanan, Travis Buchanan, Cameron Buscher, Collin Buscher, Gerald Shelton, Don Ripple, Eric Cloudt, and Jerry Monical.\r\n\r\nHonorary Pallbearers will be Kane Buchanan, Colton Buchanan, Benton Cloudt, West Cloudt, Dalton Shelton, Dean White, Glen Wren, Octavio Tijerina, Jr., Kent Whitley, and Pete Soto.\r\n\r\nBarry preferred jeans to a suit and tie, so please feel free to dress casually. The family also requests that you please "pay it forward" in lieu of flowers by supporting a benefit for someone in need, generously tipping your waiter / waitress, or by donating to the charity of your choice.\r\n\r\n\r\n