George Thomas "Tom" Graham 1938 - 2018

GRAHAM

Posted By: Connie Swearingen -Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/11/2018 at 17:00:36

Sioux City Journal
9 October 2018

Bowling Green, Ky., formerly Sioux City

George Thomas "Tom" Graham, 80, of Bowling Green, formerly of Sioux City, left this life peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, at home with his family, and with Frank Sinatra playing in the background.

A celebration of life service will be on Dec. 27, 2018, in Sioux City. Details to follow at a later time via the Sioux City Journal and social media. Please bring your memories and stories to share with us on that day.

Born on Sept. 22, 1938, Tom was the son of George and Gladys Graham. He was a lifelong Sioux City resident until he and his wife, Diane, moved to Bowling Green in 2015 to be near family. He was a graduate of East High School class of 1956, and an alumnus of Morningside College.

Tom had a 30-plus year struggle with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1, and always fought the good fight with an amazing sense of determination and an optimistic outlook.

He was a partner in Chapman Graham Commodities for more than 30 years.

Tom was a former member of the Abu-Bekr White Horse Mounted Patrol. He looked forward to Saturday morning coffee in Sioux City with old friends, and enjoyed watching the Colorado Rockies play. Two of his favorite places to be were his kitchen and on the golf course. He was an excellent cook for many years while he was able and was an accomplished golfer. He loved to travel, taking advantage of any opportunity to visit family and friends. Any time spent with a grandchild was treasured, and he took great pride in each of them. His unique sense of humor had us laughing to the end, and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Diane; children, Dan (Jean), Mary (David Young), and Chris (Gina); nine grandchildren, Fletcher, Delaney, John, Meredith (Mitch), Bobby, Michael, David, Evan, and Abby; and also by his newest little love and four-legged protector, Bella.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Dick.

A memorial fund has been established in Tom's name to aid in the research for a treatment and cure of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1. Donations may be made online at www.giving.umn.edu/giveto/cureataxia (please note in Memory of Tom Graham), or via check with "Cure Ataxia SCA1/Tom Graham" in the memo line, and mailed to: University of Minnesota Foundation, 200 Oak Street SE, Suite 500, Minneapolis, MN 55455.