Joseph M Graham

Joseph M. “Joe” Graham, age 87, of Peoria, passed away Saturday, October 8, 2016 at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home. Born December 14, 1928 in Peoria, IL to Clyde and Martha Adell (Bath) Graham; he married Barbara Seay on August 24, 1952 in Peoria and she survives. Also surviving are his daughters, Holly (Bill) Hammel of Peoria and Heidi (Danny) Koeppel of Jacksonville, IL; his grandchildren, Jacob Hammel of West Peoria and Anna and Paige Koeppel, both of Springfield, IL; his sister-in-law, Helen Graham of Waterloo, IL; and 9 nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, brothers, Vernel and Warren Graham and his sisters-in-law, Corrine “Corky” Graham and Virginia Lincoln; brother-in-law, Richard Seay; niece, Nancy Graham-Eatock. He was a member of the Elks Lodge #20 in Peoria. Joe was an Army veteran and was a member of Amvets Post 64 in Peoria. He retired from Cilco in 1988 as an Engineer after 35 years of service. Joe played the banjo and loved to golf and read. He enjoyed watching any sport on tv. Joe was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who loved his family very much. Also Joe dearly loved the Chicago Cubs- a lifelong, diehard fan. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel, 2021 N University St, Peoria with visitation one half hour prior to the service. The Rev. Jack Thompson will officiate. Burial will follow in Parkview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the charity of the donor’s choice. Joe’s family extends their deepest heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the following: Dr. Terry E. Smith who’s care extended far beyond that of physician. You gave great loving kindness and friendship to Joe and his family. Also to Dr. Patricia A. Deters and all of the wonderful staff at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, though his stay there was brief, we were overwhelmed by the enormity of your compassion, sensitivity and care in Joe’s last days.