Kelly Charles Graham

Kelly Charles Graham, 92, formerly of Springfield, IL, passed away November 25, 2017 at Deaconess Heart Hospital in Newburgh, IN. He was born in Springfield, IL, on September 30, 1925 to the late Charles and Florence Pearl (Hinton) Graham. He married his wife, the late Betty Jo Hofstetter, on June 20, 1948, at the Westside Christian Church in Springfield.

Kelly served his country honorably, and was a leader in the Springfield community.

He served in the 8th Air Force in Kimbolton, England during World War II, and was a B-17 bombardier who flew in 27 missions over France and Germany. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1943 and the University of Illinois in 1949. Kelly was the 1943 champion of the State Journal-Register’s Drysdale Golf Tournament.

Kelly worked for both the Illinois and Connecticut Association of Insurance Agents, and the Illinois Automobile Dealers Association. Kelly also worked as an insurance agent for 13 years. He retired from the Illinois Department of Revenue in 2002 after 18 years of service.

He was secretary for the Springfield Jaycees from 1957-1958 and was vice president from 1958-1959. He was a member of the Noon Springfield Sertoma Club for the next 30 years, serving as president for 1 year. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Kelly Graham leaves behind a legacy of kindness, love, and public service. He treated all people with dignity and respect, and he was an inspiration to those who knew him. Kelly was devoted to his family, and was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Kelly and Betty Jo were very proud of their daughter, Becky, of Evansville, IN; and son, Neil, of Port St. Lucie, FL. Kelly is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jo, who passed June 8, 2017, in Evansville, IN.

He is survived by his daughter, Becky Rauscher, of Evansville; son, Neil (Carol) Graham, of Port St. Lucie, FL; five grandchildren, David Maasberg, Vonore, TN, Ann Maasberg, Evansville, Amy Graham, Washington, D.C., Kelly Watson, Livingston, Montana, and Rory Graham, Orlando, FL; two great grandchildren, Holly Westendorf, Rusiaville, IN, and Julian Tong, Richardson, TX.

Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, December 9, 2017, at Oak Ridge Cemetery Chapel, in Springfield, IL, officiated by Rev. Vaughn Beeman.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite Charity.