SHIRLEY IRENE LAUTER BUCHANAN

10-30-1923 2-28-2015


Shirley Buchanan was born in Houston to Charles Laton Lauter and Thelma Vera Gantenbein and raised on the family's dairy farm which she relayed her fond memories of life on the dairy farm to family members.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Antone, Adolph "Bubba" and Kenneth Lauter, granddaughter Rebecca Townes Beard, and son-in-laws Richard Barnes and Elton Ellison.

Surviving family members left with precious memories are Daughters Linda Simmons Barnes, Freeport and Vicki Buchanan Green, husband David (whom she affectionally called "Ralph"), West Columbia, Son Rick Reynolds, wife Kathy, Fresno, and Sister-in-law Mabel Baird, Pasadena.

Thirteen Grandchildren: Teresa Herron, husband Glenn; Carol Lewis Mize, husband Brandon; Philip Ellison, Robert Leon Reynolds, Elizabeth Reynolds, Audrey Reynolds Cauthen, Shelly Rigall, husband Chester; Richard Barnes Jr, wife Kendra; David Green II, wife Mali; Michael Green, Matthew Green, wife Brittany; Amy Green and Aaron Green.

Twelve Great Grandchildren: Brittany Beard Hilton, husband Stephen; Ryan Roghair, Jake Roghair, Gabrielle Mize, Brooke Mize, Dawn Thomas, Amy Delacruz, Colton Barnes, Carson Barnes, Kennedy Barnes, Cole Cauthen, and Katherine Cauthen.

Six Great Great Grandchildren, Numerous Nephews, Nieces, Great Nieces and Cousins.

Shirley was a member of the St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Freeport, Texas.

After high school, Shirley worked at an ammunition manufacturing plant in Houston during World War II where she met her first husband, Clark Simmons. She met her second husband of 35 years, Henry Leon Buchanan while she worked as an operator at Bell South Telephone in downtown Houston.

In 1956, Shirley and Leon moved to Freeport where she began working as a bookkeeper for Toomer's Packing Company later going to work at Dingle's Furniture Company where, after 18 years, Shirley purchased the furniture store in 1978 and ran it until her retirement in 1991. Shirley loved her customers and enjoyed serving the furniture needs of Brazosport residents for 31 years.

Shirley will be remembered as always willing to help family, friends and strangers.

Shirley resided in Freeport until her death.

Pallbearers will be Gary Lauter, Gary Mize, Brandon Mize, Philip Ellison, Brandon Bergen, Aaron Green, Stephen Hilton, Ben Noe and Richard Barnes, Jr.

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