Richard D. Graham, age 89, of Wooster died peacefully on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at home surrounded by his wife and son.
Dick was born on September 10, 1932 to the late Paul William and Gladys Marshall Graham.
Dick graduated from Wooster High School with the class of 1950 and was class president and was the quarterback of the Wooster High School 1949 undefeated football team. He also received the Blue and Gold Award.
Dick started working on the family farm in 1940 along with his father and mother. His life-long farming career also included working with his son David. Dick was a life member of Central Christian Church where he taught Sunday School, served as Chairman of the Board, Life Elder and many other committees. Dick served as a Wooster Township Trustee for 15 years, was a member of Ebenezer Lodge # 33 F & AM and a 32nd degree Mason of Scottish Rite in Canton.
Dick started The Killbuck Valley Boy s Club with Jones Alexander, Harold Redick, Donald Varnes and Ed Yund and boy did they have fun! Dick loved the Wayne County Fair and enjoyed watching his son and daughter show their hogs. Dick never missed any sporting event of his son or daughter. Fishing and fox hunting were enjoyed in his spare time.
Surviving are his wife, Joan Wharton Graham; his children David Graham of Wooster, Jill (George) Dellger of WI; grandchildren Lacey (Ryan) Heinen, Tanner Daugherty, John (Hannah Gilchrist) Graham and Elizabeth Graham; great-grandchildren Emerson, Rowan and Ashton Heinen. Dick s family are so proud to call him husband, father, grandpa and great-grandpa.
Private family services will take place to return his ashes to the soil on the family farm.
Memorial contributions may be made to Central Christian Church, 407 N. Market St., Wooster, OH 44691 or to Ohio s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.
The family is forever grateful for the care and support of the nurses and aides from Hospice.
Dad lived life by: Truly this is the first day of the rest of your life , Always leave it better than you found it and or long story short .
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Memorial Contributions
Memorial contributions may be made to Central Christian Church, 407 N. Market St., Wooster, OH 44691 or to Ohio s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.
Service
Private family services will take place to return his ashes to the soil on the family farm.
Visitation
My condolences to the family. Dan, my husband went down the Colorado with Dick and though I don’t remember a joke they would tell each other when they saw each other, they always laughed. But if it’s ok, my special love to David, once a student and always a friend. I’m sorry, David.
Awesome guy with a big heart, always happy to stop and talk with friends. Rest in peace, “Mr. Graham “
Our sincere condolences to the family. Dad & Dick were forever friends & we all
Marveled & valued their friendship. The boys are all together again.
Joann, please know that we are here
Prayers going up for comfort to the family for their loss. May their loved one rest in eternal peace. From Pamela RN
Deepest sympathy to Dick’s family n friends . He always made me feel good about my job n had wonderful memories to share about Wooster History ! RIP my friend ! You were a great husband,father,grandfather and friend to so many and will be greatly missed.
I am sorry for your loss.
Our deepest sympathy to you, Joan, and all your family. Dick was a great guy! He will be missed by many.
Dick was the salt of the Earth. Rest well faithful servant. Strength and comfort to his family.
Very sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful person and close friend of my uncle Les Johnson.
Very sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful person and close friend of my uncle Les Johnson.
The memories of the reunions and camping trips to the farm are some of the most memorable and happiest of times. Dick was always happy to help out, made sure we had wood, and was kind and generous. love to the family!! Steve
Joann, We are so sorry for your loss. You and Dick were a special couple. I’ll always remember you talking about your Friday evenings at Coccia House. You took wonderful, loving care of you loving husband! Our thoughts a prayers are with you and your family.
Very sorry for your loss.Dick was a fine man & great friend. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Sorry for your loss always enjoyed talking with Dick.
So sorry for your lost of Dick. I always loved visiting your house.
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of Dick. He was a great man, humble servant,truly kind and faithful. He will never be forgotten!Your CCC family surrounds you with our love and prayers.
David, we are sorry for the loss of your Dad. Dean Tegtmeier, Deb Tegtmeier Miller
Dave, Liz and John,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Mitch and Leigh
Joan and family: My deepest condolences to all of you on your loss. Dick was a special friend, and I will miss our talks.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.
Sorry for your loss. I have lots of memories of Dick throughout my life.
Such a great role model growing up and even a better neighbor and friend!
So sorry for your loss. I am so glad I got to see Dick the Sunday before his passing and was able to give him a blessing. His step sister, Cheryl Elaine Wood-Ludwig was devastated by his passing as he was her only sibling and loved the family so much. We know he is up in heaven tilling the big pasture in the heaven’s.
Joann, I am very sorry for you and your family. Dick will be missed by all of you. You are in my prayers.
Dick was a good friend to me and he had a lot of great stories to share. “Long story short…” will forever remind me of him. My thoughts and prayers are with Dick’s family and friends.
Joan, David & Jill, my condolences on the passing of Dick. May the memories comfort you at this difficult time.
I will always remember Dick’s smile, seeing him at the Parlor, and how
‘lightfooted” he and Joan were on the dance floor. My sincere sympathy to Joan and the family.
Mrs. Graham, David and family.:
So sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathy and condolences.
Simply put, I have never met a finer man in my lifetime. It was a joy just to be in his presence.
Rest in peace, God’s speed.
My deepest sympathy to the family. I was introduced to Dick by Lillian Long. She called Dick her “WAS” man…”Wood and Straw”. Wood for her fireplace and straw for her garden. He was such a kind man to her. What a mentor he was to us all. Rest In Peace “WAS” man!
Dave and family, sorry for your loss. I remember my first job was working on your farm. Fond memories. And I will never forget Monday Night Football. Your dad was a good man. Always enjoyed talking to him .
Joan, Dave,Jill and families. So sorry your loss. Thoughts and prayers
Our thoughts are with you. Dick was a valued friend and regular at The Parlor and we will miss him.
Joan and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dick was a valued friend and customer at The Parlor and had many memories of him. Will be missed.
Your family and local community lost a good man. We are so sorry for your loss. Meg and I enjoyed talking to Mr. Graham at the and at sporting events it’s over the years.
First class. Rest in peace my friend.