John H. Buchanan, 56, died Saturday, September 15, 2012. Mr. Buchanan, a Memphian, was the son of Homer H. and the late Ann C. Buchanan. He graduated from Oakhaven High School. A recipient of the Grace Moore Scholarship in Voice, he received his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He also received a Master of Music in Vocal Pedagogy from Memphis State University. He taught for many years at Shelby State Community College, as well as maintaining a private studio of voice. A gifted baritone, John had performed as a soloist with Opera Memphis, the Memphis Symphony Chorus, the Beethoven Club, and the old Memphis Oratorio Society. He placed third in the Mid-South Regional Auditions of the Metropolitan Opera in 1982. John had also been active in local theatre, first with Circuit Playhouse, Theatre Memphis, and later with the DeSoto Family Theatre. At the DeSoto theatre, John was recognized for his musical directing and acting, receiving Northwest Mississippi Theatre Alliance Awards for both. John was a communicant at St. Anne Catholic Church on Highland, where he served faithfully for many years as a cantor and assistant organist. John leaves a sister, Frances L. B. Price (Robert); a niece, Angela D. Helms, and a great-niece, Jamie Moore, all of Tiptonville, Tennessee, as well as a few very special friends that he loved very deeply. Visitation will be held 6-7 pm, Wednesday, the 19th with the Rosary to be said at 7 pm at Forest Hill Midtown Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held at St. Anne Catholic Church on Highland at 11 am, Thursday, the 20th, followed by burial in Forest Hill Midtown Cemetery. John requested that memorials be sent to the St. Anne Organ Fund at St. Anne Catholic Church or the DeSoto Family Theatre.

Forest Hill Funeral Home-Midtown 901-775-0310