Gerald William Graham
Gerald William Graham, 87, of Frazeysburg went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 2:35AM, in his home surrounded by his family.
Gerald was born April 10th, 1937, in Coshocton County. He was a son of the late John William and Ruth (Romine) Graham. Gerald was a graduate of Jefferson High School in Dresden, Ohio.
One of the greatest days of his life was July 12, 1959, when he married his best friend and love of his life, Judith (DeMoss) Graham. Prior to marriage, Gerald insisted that Judith complete nursing school, likely because he knew he would need someone to care for him. They devoted their lives and marriage of over 65 years to tending the land of Coshocton, Muskingum and Licking Counties in Ohio, as well as Castro County Texas and Curry County New Mexico. Gerald had a heart to serve the Lord his entire life. While in Texas, he and Judith served as Sunday school teachers in their church. He was a member of Perryton United Methodist Church for nearly 40 years. Gerald served as a 4-H advisor for many years and mentored countless youth in their endeavors in agriculture. Gerald was a member of the Farm Bureau during his years of farming. He was a strong advocate for the non-GMO agriculture movement as well as being a good steward for soil improvement. Gerald took great pride in his lifelong effort of farming and modeling what hard work looks like.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Judith (DeMoss) Graham; two sons, Thomas W. (Sue) Graham of Frazeysburg, and Michael T. (Valerie) Graham also of Frazeysburg. He was blessed with 10 beautiful grandchildren; Matthew (Kassie) Graham, John (Hope) Graham, Julianne (Aaron) Adams, Michaela, Chelsea (Fiancé, Jared), Shala, Alicia and Marissa Graham and 2 special granddaughters Brittni (Jordan) Butler and Kaitlyn (Troy) Scheiderer. Another great joy was his 11 little great-grandchildren or “Punkins”; Natalie, Jakob, McCoy, Maverick, Kade, Sawyer, Noah, Luke, Lucy, Walker & Annie. He leaves behind his older sister Naomi Crown of Amarillo, Texas and a special lifelong childhood friend Joe “Bill” Somers of Frazeysburg.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by their infant daughter, Julie Ann, his daughter-in-law Melisa Hill Graham, and three siblings Wayne Graham, Mildred Mozena and Lois Fox.
Gerald was a selfless and humble man; he lived a life to model Christ and wanted others to come and experience that love. When anyone entered their home, they could expect to hear him praying at the dinner table, see him reading the Word of God, and living a joyful life. Gerald was devoted to his family and friends. The open-door policy that had been created always was welcomed with his smiling face, he especially lit up when there were children playing for him to watch. In his final years he greeted those that came from his rocking chair on the porch, likely in a Carhartt jacket and his cowboy hat no matter the temperature. The impact that Gerald had on his community is great and has blessed many.
The family would like to thank the loving and caring staff of Genesis Hospice Morrison House for all their support through the final days of Gerald’s life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Perryton United Methodist Church, 6139 Licking Valley Road, Frazeysburg, OH 43822 or Genesis Hospice Morrison House, 713 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, OH 43701.
Friends and family may call from 2-4 & 6-8pm, Friday, December 27, 2024, at the Frazeysburg Chapel of Vensil-Orr & Chute Funeral Home, 110 West Third Street, Frazeysburg. Services Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 10:00am with his Grandson, Matthew Graham, officiating at the Perryton United Methodist Church, 6139 Licking Valley Road, Frazeysburg, Ohio 43822.
Gerald will be laid to rest at Frazeysburg Cemetery, Frazeysburg.
Category: Obituaries
