Bobby L. Buchanan
Theoretical Physicist from coal country, dedicated serviceman, loving husband and father
On Saturday Dec. 8, 2018 Bobby L. Buchanan, loving husband and father of 5, passed away at the age of 87. He was born June 29, 1931 in Bowling Green, KY to Albert and Alpha Buchanan. He received a BS from Western Kentucky State College, attended Harvard Graduate School, received a Masters in Mathematics and Physics from Northeastern University with PhD qualifications and became a Registered Professional Engineer. He joined the Air Force in 1953 and was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1962. He continued to serve as a civilian for Air Force Cambridge Research as a Theoretical Physicist until 1976 when he became Chief of the RHET division for the Rome Air Force Development Center until 1986. He was a VP at Spire Corp from 1986-1992 in research and development. In 1992, Bobby became Founder and President of Technology Expectations Inc. until his retirement in 2006.
July 2, 1958 Bobby married the love of his life, Joan L. Huntley. Residents of Carlisle, MA for 61 years, they raised 5 children on B-7 Farm. He had a passion for antiques, chess, basketball, scrabble and vodka martinis. He found entertainment challenging his grandchildren with complex math formulas and riddles. He beat the odds in Las Vegas and in friendly sports bets with his brother Gale. A self-declared "Provocateur," he enjoyed asking questions no one else dared to- this was always done with his never-forgotten southern charm and infectious smile.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Alpha, his brothers Junior, Billy and Gary, his sisters Joyce and Sheila, and his beloved daughter Brenda.
He is survived by his wife Joan, children Buck, Beth, Belinda and Bonny, his sister Shirley, brothers Gale and Ricky, 10 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Awards & Accomplishments:
1970 "Most Outstanding Contribution in the Field of Science in the Air Force" with Walter Shed
1986 Oliver G Tallman Memorial Award for Outstanding Engineering
1988 IEEE - Nuclear and Space Radiation Effects Conference Chair
1992 IEEE "Radiation Effects" Award
2011 The "HEART" Award - Peter H. Haas Award for Outstanding Leadership and Technical Innovation in the Development of U.S. Hardened Military and Space Systems
Published over 40 Scientific Papers, 3 Patents, and over 100 International Scientific Presentations
Funeral arrangements will be under the care of the Bartlett Funeral Home, 338 Court Street, Plymouth. There will be a private service held on Wednesday, followed by an interment.