Russell E Graham

Russell E. Graham, 86, of Terre Haute, passed away on Monday, March 12, 2012 at Union Hospital with his family by his side. He was born on May 19, 1925, in Terre Haute, to Effort and Eva (Brush) Graham. He attended Ermindale and Fontanet schools and attended his 68th high school class reunion this past summer. He served his country during WWII from 1942 to 1945 in the United States Navy as a sonar man. On July 8, 1945, while home on leave, he hit the love of his life with his car. On July 9, 1945, he married the love of his life, Florence Pearl (Lewis) Graham. He retired from Quaker Maid, Regional Hospital, and CF Industries. He was a life member of American Legion Post 104 and VFW Post 972. He was a member of Amvets 222, Forty and Eight Voiture 21, Vigo County Conservation Club, and Ouabache Leather Guild. He loved to hunt, fish, and tell stories. He also enjoyed watching and reading westerns. He was loved by all who knew him and will be sadly missed.

Russell is survived by his wife of 66 years, Florence; their children, Ronald Graham and his wife Carol, Judy Hatcher and her husband Bill, Kenny Graham and his wife Reba, all of Terre Haute, and Debra Zehner of Shelburn; grandchildren, Billy Hatcher, Melissa (Jason) Thomas, Russell –R.J. (Kindra) Graham, Kimberly (Andrew) Deckard, Susan Nickols, Leslie Graham, Rachel Graham, and Mikah Zehner; great-grandchildren, Austen Kuykendall, Jacey Thomas, Casey and Riley Graham, and Tyler and Haley Deckard; sisters, Edna Darkis, Barbara Delp, and Vickie (Max) Ramsey; and several very special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Jack Graham, a sister, Virginia Wilson, grandson, Ronald Graham II, and great-grandson, Spencer Graham.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 16 from 11 to 1 at Thomas Funeral Home. Services will be held on Friday, March 16 at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Reverend Brett Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Park with military rites perfomed by American Legion Post 104. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimers Foundation in honor of Russell’s wife. Online condolences may be made at www.thomasfuneralhome.net