Marion Graham (1921 - 2011)
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Marion "Tex" Graham, 89, of Evansville, passed away at 4 a.m. Thursday, February 24, 2011, at Deaconess Hospice Care Center.
Tex was born July 3, 1921 in Princeton, Ind., to Robert M. and Alta (Rose) Graham. He was a 1940 graduate of Princeton Indiana High School and a graduate of Indiana State University, where he played football. He was a member of the President's Society, Indiana State University Alumni Association and I-Men's Club. Tex served as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and the Korean Conflict, and was awarded the Bronze Star. After attending college and receiving his Masters Degree, Tex taught school and coached basketball at Central High School, retiring from EVSC in 1983. He was an independent broker for Kemper, Franklin Life and Pioneer American Insurance Companies for several years. He was a 60-year member of Trinity United Methodist Church, and a 50-year member of Lessing Masonic Lodge #464, Scottish Rite and Hadi Shrine. Tex was also a member of Fendrich Men's Golf Club, Helfrich Men's Golf Club and Hadi Shrine Golf Club. Tex was actively involved in the Pro Am Monday Golf Tournaments and played in 4 different Senior Olympic Golf Tournaments, where he was a Bronze medalist. He was a member of C Company Marine Reserve and the Chosen Few of the Korean Conflict. Tex was loved, honored and admired for his dedication to his colleagues and friends and for his love and devotion to his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan (Cromwell) Graham, of Evansville, daughter, Susan J. Keach (Michael W.), of Evansville; sons, Dr. Steven C. and Dr. Laura Graham, of Indianapolis, Ind. and Michael S. Graham, of Indianapolis, Ind.; eight grandchildren, Rebecca, Laura and Kevin Keach, Christopher, Emily and Nicholas Graham and Brent and Brooke Graham; and two great-grandchildren, Hannah Schlachter and Makayla Jensen. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Lloyd Joe Graham in 2008.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Hardesty, Dr. Stephens, Dr. Rusche, the staffs of Deaconess Hospital, Deaconess Hospice Center and the staff of the Veterans Clinic, especially Dr. Patel, Dr. Khan, Carol and Sheila for their loving care and compassion.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, February 28, 2011 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 216 SE Third Street, Evansville with Reverend Allen Amstutz officiating. Entombment will be in Oak Hill Mausoleum, where Vanderburgh County Retired Veterans Memorial Club will conduct full military rites.
Friends may call from 1 until 7 p.m. Sunday, February 27, 2011, where Lessing Masonic Lodge #464 will conduct a Memorial Service at 6:30 p.m. at Boone Funeral Home, East Chapel, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville. Friends may call again from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 216 SE Third St., Evansville, IN 47713.
Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net.

Published in Courier Press on February 26, 2011