Elwood C. Buchanan II was born June 13, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri to Elwood C. Buchanan, Sr. and Sedona Buchanan. He was the second child born to this union. After years of praying for another child, God blessed them with Elwood. Elwood's parents, sister and son, Kevin preceded him in death.

Elwood was educated in East St. Louis School District #189. He graduated from Lincoln Sr. High School in 1963. He played saxophone under the direction of his father Elwood Buchanan, Sr. He was also a member of the baseball team. After graduation, he attended Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL. Later he transferred to Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. While a student at Southern Illinois Edwardsville, he decided to enlist in the Army. His tours of duty included Vietnam, Korea, and Texas. He obtained the rank as Sargeant and he received an honorable discharge. Upon his discharge he returned to East St. Louis and Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville where he worked in the financial aid office and became a member of Kappa Psi Fraternity.

Elwood had numerous jobs. He was employed with Illinois Power Co. as a meter reader and a customer service supervisor. Later he moved to Phoenix, Arizona. During his tenure in Arizona, he worked in a drug recovery program. Later, he returned to East St. Louis after his mother died. Upon his return, he was employed at Hudlin Insurance Company and as a loan processor for USDA.

Elwood confessed his hope in Christ at an early age. He was a member of St. John A.M.E. Church. While visiting Dr. Jacks Ice Cream Parlor, he met Rev. Obie Rush who invited him to St. Paul Baptist Church. August 1990, Rev. Rush announced that Elwood has been called to the ministry. He served faithfully until his health started to fail.

Elwood had been praying to God to send him a wife. God blessed him with Michelle Smith. They were married for 35 years.

Elwood was a member of Westbrook Green Choir. He enjoyed listening to jazz. He loved to travel and spend time with family and friends.

Elwood is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Michelle; his sons, Eric Buchanan of Phoeniz, AZ, and Marc Buchanan of Atlanta, GA; brother-in-law, Michael (Carmel) Smith; 9 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and St. Paul Church Family.