Obit Index
Updated: 08 Sep 2009

Medford (OR) Mail Tribune
www.mailtribune.com
12-03-2008

Derward Clemet Graham was born Apr. 18, 1929, in Oklahoma City, Okla., to parents, Jennings and Ruby Graham. He passed away on Nov. 28, 2008, at Rogue Valley Medical Center, in Medford, Ore.

As a child the Grahams lived in Oklahoma, and then moved to the Southern California area. He later moved to the Rogue Valley, attended Medford High School, and eventually settled here in Medford. He served our country from 1946 to 1947 with the U.S. Army Air Forces, and then with the U.S. Air Force in 1953 to 1955.

Derward had a passion for flying. When married to his children's mother, Barbara Graham, he traded their only car for an airplane. They could not drive to the coast, but stories of the young couple making a few beach landings have been told. While raising their boys, Derward worked in lumber sales. He was known for shipping unsold railroad cars full of Oregon lumber across the nation, then rerouted the nearest cars to the customer when sold. He will always be remembered for his love of horses, fishing, hunting, coaching, and for encouraging his sons to participate in school activities and sports. Grandpa Graham loved his grandchildren very much. He loved spending time with them, and his long-time companion, Jeanne Hopkins. He will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew him as Brother, Dad, Grandpa, Dar, and Dewwy.

He is survived by his sister, Jane Stewart; sons, Craig, Mark, and Kelly; grandchildren, Sean, Matthew, Natalie, Sophie, Nathan, and Nicole; and two great-grandchildren.

A committal service will be held on Dec. 9th at 3 p.m. at the Eagle Point National Cemetery, 2763 Riley Rd., Eagle Point, Ore.

Sources:  good faith fair use of sources stated above

Compiled, transcribed and submitted by Howard Grisso, December 2008. Information posted for educational purposes for viewers and researchers. The contributor is not related to nor researching any of the above.

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