Thomas Neil Buchanan

Thomas Neil Buchanan, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026 in his home in Shelley, Idaho surrounded by family.

Tom was born November 15, 1933 in Richfield, Utah, to Lorenzo Lavere Buchanan and Rinda Bjerregaard Buchanan. He was one of three children, with an older brother named Ronald, and a younger half-sister named Connie. He grew up in Venice, Utah working on the family farm.

After graduating from High School, Tom joined the Marines and was stationed in San Diego, California for 3 years.

Tom later met his eternal companion, Carol Ann Swensen, on a blind date on New Years Eve 1958. They were married in Logan, Utah on September 21, 1959. They were blessed with their oldest daughter Nanette a year later and were blessed with a second daughter exactly 5 years and 2 days later, whom they named Rinda after Tom’s mother.

Tom moved the family to Idaho Falls, Idaho from Logan, Utah in 1965. The family moved to Shelley, Idaho in 1974 to the home where Tom would spend the rest of his life with his loving family. Tom worked for Argonne National Laboratories, retiring after 30 years of service.

He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving in various callings, including first counselor in the Shelley 2nd ward bishopric. The Buchanan family were sealed together in the Idaho Falls, Idaho Temple on September 11, 1971 for all time and all eternity.

Tom had many hobbies, he enjoyed gardening, camping, and taking many trips with his family. He was a talented wood worker, spending many hours in his workshop crafting beautiful pieces of furniture that his family will forever cherish.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Lavere and Rinda Buchanan, his stepmother, LaVee Buchanan and his granddaughter, Amanda Day Singer.

He is survived by his wife, Carol of 66 years, daughters, Nanette Mayall (Ian) and Rinda Waggoner, grandchildren, Alex Day, Alicia Day (Rachel), Cody Mayall, Dillon Waggoner, Miranda Whitehead (Garrett), Lauren Sawyer (Jonah) and 8 great grandchildren. Tom was affectionately referred to as “Papa Tom” by all of his grandchildren.

He was a very kind and nurturing father and grandfather who will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 W Oak Street in Shelley. The family will receive friends Saturday morning from 9:30 a.m. till 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery with military rites.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Sabrina from Mission Hospice for her excellent care and compassion in Tom’s time of need.

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