Glenard "Glen" Leon Buchanan Jr.

Glenard L. Buchanan, Jr., 85, passed peacefully in his home in Bowie, MD on May 10, 2018. Glen was a devout Catholic, strong family leader, served his country, and built an excellent career in law enforcement and government.

Glen was born on November 21, 1932 in Baltimore, MD – the oldest of 8 children of Glenard Sr. and Margaret Ann Bennett Buchanan. He spent his early years in Granite, MD before later moving to Philadelphia, PA. Glen graduated from Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia where he starred in football and excelled in band. He received a scholarship to Florida A&M University and attended from 1952 to 1955.

In 1955, Glen was drafted into the United States Army and began his career of public service. After serving in the Army, Glen became a Baltimore City Police Officer in 1958. That year Glen married the lovely Esther Rosborough of Baltimore, MD. Their beautiful union of almost 60 years blessed them with three daughters, Roblyn Buchanan Hymes and twin daughters, Nancy Buchanan Riley and Nina Buchanan Childress.

In 1961, Glen joined the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, DC and moved the family to Landover, MD. He became a member of St. Joseph Church and remained a faithful member for over 50 years. In 1967, he began his government career in the DC Department of License.

Glen completed his college education earning a B.A. degree in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 1972 and became a lifelong Terrapins fan.

Glen progressed in his career, rising from Investigator, Chief of Employee Relations, and finally to Assistant Director of Personnel for the Washington, DC government. He retired in 1991.

Retirement was a new beginning for Glen. He and his wife Esther began taking ballroom dance lessons. He later became a teacher of ballroom dancing to various close friends, relatives and weddings – specializing in the dance called the “Tango.”

Glen found enjoyment in travel; he traveled with his wife and daughters throughout the U.S., the Caribbean, South America, Asia, and Europe. His travels allowed him to become a military history buff, which lead Glen to his favorite books; The Battle of Gettysburg, and Capture of the City – Fortress of Singapore. Glen would later tour different battlefields with friends.

Glen and Esther raised three fabulous daughters, who graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, and married three lovely sons-in-law. Glen loved spending time with his grandchildren and teaching them important life lessons. Glen had a full and enjoyable life, with no regrets. He was a kind, loveable, and adored husband, father and grandfather.

Survivors include his lovely wife, Esther, daughters, Roblyn (Morris) Hymes, Nancy (Quincy) Riley, and Nina (John) Childress. Grandchildren, Whitney, Melanie, Jasmine, John, and Tyler, his siblings, Marlene Howard, Myrna (Richard) Tolliver, Theresa (Leslie) Williams, Vernon (Sylvia) Buchanan and Arthur Buchanan. Glen was preceded by Kenneth Buchanan and Margaret Ann Buchanan. He also leaves behind a host of friends, relatives and those whose lives he deeply touched.

In lieu of flowers please send memorial contributions to Heartland Hospice Service, or St Joseph Catholic Church