Day or night, on any backroad he could be found.ĭon kept his lawn beautifully manicured at their home in Decatur, where Mary would always walkīarefoot in after kicking off her shoes. Many El Caminos or his Black Dodge Warlock truck. He was always out-and-about with one of his Not being a fan of large groups aside from family, Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting and Don retired from Decatur Township proudly after 22 years of service, where it’s believed Don dug his last grave by hand, at the age of 72. These traits surely, he learned from his dad, J. Don had a great work ethic he was honest, dependable, self-motivated, trustworthy, continued working when no one was looking, and kept his own hours. He enjoyed winters also, as his tasks then became custodian at the Historic Decatur Township Hall. The community was very grateful and almost daily, Don interacted with someone from town who was thankful for the job that he did. There he took pride in his work from digging graves (each and every one by hand), keeping the grass perfectly manicured, gravestones finished with the weedeater, pouring foundations for gravestones, and the cleaning of stones. After some hints and persuasion, he applied for the caretaker position with Decatur Township, and was then in charge of several cemeteries in Decatur. With a slowdown in the economy in the 80’s, Don was forced to look for other employment. There he made many lifelong friends and worked alongside many good co-workers ‘good people’ he called them. In his adult life, Don worked as a foreman for 21 years at Sunstrand Heat Transfer, Inc., (formerly Rudy’s) in Dowagiac, MI. Later Don attended and then graduated from Decatur Public He was active in theĪrea 4-H and the Corwin Crackerjacks. One-room schoolhouse, the Corwin School, on the corner of CR360 and 56th street. He said it was the best water in the world, but cold so drink it slow. There he kept a metal cup to drink waterįrom the springs. There was a creek that ran through, both to play in and fish. The art of gardening, which was evident for years to come while growing his own gardens. Growing up on the family farm, Donald recounted stories of milking cows, raising chickens, gatheringĮggs, and plowing the fields by hand with the assistance of horses, Prince and Pearl. Don and Mary resided at this home for the remainder of their lives. Soon thereafter, a daughter Diana was born, followed by another son, ![]() After the Navy with their first child in tow, Mike, they settled down at their home on W. While working on several aircraft carriers, he went from being kitchen staff,Ĭooking hundreds of pounds of potatoes, to becoming a maintenance/mechanic for the jets that wouldįly in and out. (Abshagen) Graham who proceeded him in death on June 22, 2020. Donald quickly grew up, graduatedįrom Decatur High School in 1956 and on September 8, 1957, he married the love of his life, Mary C. Later, the Graham family grew larger as a sister,Īlice (Hogue) Graham was adopted after the deaths of her parents. There he met another 4-year-old, his neighbor At that time,ĭon’s name was changed to Donald Paul Graham. Home where there, he was introduced to his older brother Jackie and a new mom and dad. ![]() ![]() Reported that little Don’s eyes were like ‘big, bright blue saucers’ as he first walked into the Graham (Beach) Graham, of Hamilton Township, in rural Decatur, MI. Graham (no relation to Donald), so his last name always remained Graham. Ironically, his newly adopted family also shared the last name of After staying with a few families, Donald To care for the family, Donald was then placed for adoption. In his family, he was child number 14 of 16.ĭonald’s mother passed away when Donald was 1 ½ years old. ![]() Made to Centrica Care Navigators (formerly Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan).ĭonald was born as Donald Ralph Graham, on March 2, 1938, in Pine Grove Township, Michigan, to his Will take place on a later date at Lakeside Cemetery in Decatur, MI. His passing was peaceful with family by his side.Īrrangements have been entrusted to Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw, MI. Donald Paul Graham, 85, of Decatur, MI, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 21, 2023,Īfter suffering a lengthy battle with dementia.
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