Evelyn Buchanan

Evelyn "Big O" Buchanan, 87, of Oklahoma City passed away on January 8, 2026, after a 5-year journey with Alzheimer's disease. She married the love of her life, James R. Buchanan, in her hometown of Roswell, New Mexico. After a short time in Roswell, they relocated to Oklahoma City where they raised their children Rodney and Kimberly Buchanan. Evelyn worked 9 years for Sinclair Oil until 1970 when she pursued her true passion, raising her family as well as taking care of other children. For 35 years she cared for over 50 children. After losing her husband at an early age of 54, family and children became even more important to her.

Evelyn was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Oklahoma City for over 40 years.

Evelyn is survived by her son Rodney Buchanan and his wife Cheryl, and by her daughter Kimberly Bold and her husband Randy of Edmond, Oklahoma.

She is also survived by her mother Lorene Smith, her sisters Verna Swehla and Alene Landrum of La Vernia, Texas, her brother Roger Smith and his wife Brenda of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and by her sister-in-law Nancy Ray and her husband John of Katy, Texas.

Evelyn is also survived by loving grandchildren Corey Buchanan of Edmond, Lauren Elassal and her husband Ryan of Edmond, Emily Carretero and her husband Ryan of Guthrie, Melissa Grantham and her husband Ryan of Oklahoma City, and Andrew Bold of Edmond.

She is also survived by great grandchildren Coleson, Lucas and Clara Elassal, Mae and Esther Carretero, and James and Lillian Grantham.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband James Buchanan, her father John Smith, her brothers-in-law Chuck Swehla and Jake Landrum, Charles Buchanan and Neil Buchanan.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery Chapel.