Ernie Buchanan

Ernie Buchanan of Redfield, Arkansas died peacefully on July 10, 2026 in his home at the age of 72. Ernie was born July 13, 1953 in Sheridan, Arkansas, the son of the late Eris Earnest “Bo” Buchanan and Connie Juanita Harter Buchanan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Bertha Ann Wood Buchanan, and a sister, Wanda Delores Buchanan Lumsden.

While attending Sheridan High School, Ernie met the love of his life, Ann Wood, and they married while both attended and subsequently graduated from State College of Arkansas, now UCA. Ernie worked much of his life as a corporate accountant, and spent his last decade working for the Arkansas Department of Human Services where he was highly regarded and respected for his work ethics and financial skills. Ernie was a Master Mason, member of Iron Springs Lodge #342, and a 32° Scottish Rite Mason.

A quiet, humble man, Ernie lived his life honorably and principled in all things – at work, at home, in the deer woods or in the delta duck marshes, and, especially, in raising his son Jesse. Together, Ann and Ernie forged a partnership in marriage that culminated in two precious grandsons.

Although Ernie wasted few words, he filled his life with the quiet joy of being home with Ann and whatever dogs, cats, or even raccoons might be sharing his space at that time. Whether he was feeding the squirrels, helping a neighbor, watching a PBS show with Ann, or training his Labs, Ernie lived his life exactly as he wanted, and that may be how he died. As an honorable, decent man who respected others in his life and work, he was loved and will be missed by his family and friends. That’s a life well-lived.

Survivors include his son, Jesse Thomason and wife Carlye Keller Thomason of Big Bend National Park; grandsons James and Max Thomason; niece Nikki Lumsden Kamps and husband Troy; and nephew Robbie Lumsden . Additional surviving family members by marriage include Nancy Wood (Bob Messer), Rita Wood Jolly, David Dale Wood, Jr., (Kay), niece Valarie Stephens, and nephews Adam Blair, Cody Blair, and David Dale Wood III.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 am Monday, July 27, 2026, at Memorial Gardens in Sheridan.