WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Ernest Robert Graham, age 94, of Three Rivers, MI. passed away on Friday, Feb. 11, 2011 at the Heartland Health Care Center. He was born July 28, 1916 in St. Louis, MO., the oldest of six children born to Ernest W. and Lillie Mae (Logan) Graham.
Ernest graduated from Tilden Technical High School and also Chicago Technical College and attended Harvey Junior College, in Harvey, IL. He was employed as an electrician for Swift and Company, Argone National Laboratory, and later retired in 1982 from the Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #134, the N.A.A.C.P., Southern Poverty Law Center, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Sierra Club, National Wildlife Federation, and the Three Rivers Lions Club. Ernest gave generously to a number of civil rights organizations and local educational institutions including endowing the Ernest R. Graham Upward Bound Scholarship Program.
Mr. Graham was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Albert J. Graham, three sisters, Edna Thomas, Kathryn Congo and Lillian Taylor; two wives, Margaret Black and Helen Allen. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving family, one sister Mariam Smith, of Shirley, MA.; several nieces, and nephews, and many loving friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011 at the St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church with Pastor Alan Stadelman officiating.Interment will be held at a later date in Massachusetts.
The family wishes to thank Karen and Harold Carlisle, Laura Washington, The Lion Club members and St Peter’s church members who cared for and visited Ernest in our absence. Words cannot express our gratitude.
Memorials may be directed to the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church or the Three Rivers Lions Club. Envelopes available at Hohner Funeral Home in care of Mr. Graham’s arrangements.
