Gerald Edward Graham

Jerry Graham, 66, born May 11, 1949, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2016 at Emerald Care Nursing Facility in Wapato, WA. Jerry has gone to join his parents Glen and Annabelle Graham. Jerry attended Wapato High School until his automobile accident on August 16, 1966. After Jerry's accident, his parents lovingly cared for him for 43 years. He was a member of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, where he was baptized and confirmed.

Before Jerry's accident he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad, brother, and relatives. Like all teenagers, he loved being with his friends. He worked with his dad at the Wapato Body Shop after school. It was at this shop that Jerry and his dad restored a 1960 Chevrolet Impala, and it was in this car, Jerry's life changed forever. On the night of August 16, 1966 he fell asleep and rolled the car. He was in a coma for three months with severe brain injuries at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital.

After many years of physical therapy and finding joy in reading the Bible, he started riding a three-wheel bike. This proved to be very important to his freedom. He soon became known as "The Blessing Man" of Wapato. At the corner of Highway 97 and West Wapato Road, you would find Jerry sitting on his bike blessing cars. He would be so excited about all the cars he would bless in a day. This became Jerry's life!

Glen and Annabelle purchased a motor home to accommodate Jerry, which offered him a bigger life. They were able to go camping, fishing, and day trips and even a trip to Kansas.

Jerry never gave up on living a full and rich life and never complained about his condition.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Annabelle Graham. He leaves behind one brother, Michael Graham (Tacoma), two sisters, Judy Beaman (Wapato), Linda Sawers (Tacoma), and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Rosary will be on Friday, April 22, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. with the funeral following at 1:30 at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in Wapato.

Thank you to the staff at Emerald Care Health Facility for your loving care of Jerry.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Washington State March of Dimes (1904 3rd Ave. Suite 230 Seattle, WA 98101) or a charity of your choice.

Merritt Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.