Richard Wendell Graham

Richard Wendell Graham, born February 7, 1924 to Wendell G. Graham and Madge Miller Graham, died peacefully in his sleep at Emeritus at Chestnut Hill, Columbus, Ohio, September 26, 2013. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Mildred Denning Graham. Dick was a lifelong resident of Ottumwa, Iowa and worked over 40 years on the Milwaukee Railroad, first as a fireman on steam locomotives and eventually as an engineer. Dick served in the U.S. Navy Air Corp in the Pacific during WWII, earning various medals for his service. He remained a member of the American Legion OB Nelson Post 3. He was an avid scale model airplane designer and builder and enjoyed the hobby his entire life winning several national titles. He donated several of his planes to the Antique Aircraft Airpower Museum in Ottumwa, Iowa. He enjoyed an active life of fishing and hunting with his beloved dog, Smokey. Dick and Mildred spent a number of retirement years in Southport, NC where they always looked forward to family visits. He thoroughly enjoyed his last years close to family and in the company of the good people at Emeritus. He is survived by his daughter, Becky Graham (Barry Jewell) of Columbus, son Douglas Graham of Lima, Peru, grandchildren Kate, Richard, Adam, and Elizabeth, great-grandchildren Jonathan and Patrick. He enjoyed his wonderful and loving extended family of nieces, nephews and their families. He appreciated his long life, family, and friends and was fond of saying he couldn't wish for anything more. His remains will be cremated and interred at a later date at Highland Cemetery, Eddyville, Iowa. Arrangements by Schoedinger Northeast Chapel, Gahanna, Ohio. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com .