Monroe Graham's Obituary
Funeral Services for Monroe Graham will be held Saturday, October 8th at 10 a.m. at Rader Funeral Home in Henderson. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday evening, October 7th, also at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Rusk County Memorial Gardens with Masonic and military honors.
Mr. Graham was born August 29, 1919 and passed away October 6, 2016 at 97 years of age. He is survived by four children: David Franklin of San Diego, CA, Donnie Graham of Kennedale, TX, Debbie Partin of Kilgore, TX, and Linda Jones of Price, TX. Mr. Graham also had six grandchildren: Kelly Franklin, Lori Chandler, Tanya Brooks, LeeAnna Goodman, Samuel Jones and Seth Jones.
Monroe grew up in the Clayton/Carthage area and lived in Henderson all his adult life. He was a decorated World War II veteran, serving in New Guinea, the Philippines and the Dutch East Indies from November of 1941 until August of 1945. His military awards included American Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Metal with 3 Bronze Stars, and Philippines Liberation Metal with 1 bronze Star. As a young man, he worked as a carpenter then became a master plumber and co-owner of Shawnee Hardware and Plumbing where he worked for 15 years.
He was able to fulfill a lifelong dream by becoming a pilot and flew his own plane for a number of years. Over his lifetime, he had many hobbies and, in his later years, loved to assemble model cars and airplanes. In addition to being a loving father and devoted Christian, he was involved in a variety of pursuits over the years. These include the Rescue Unit (as a SCUBA diver), the CB radio club, raising cattle and farming. He was able to restore a Model A Ford which was identical to the first car he ever owned and enjoyed driving it in local parades and car shows.
Of all his affiliations, he was most devoted to Masonry. He liked to say “Masonry has been my life”. He was a dual member of Pine Hill Lodge #95 as well as a member of Clinton Lodge #23 and taught Masonry to many Masonic brothers. Some of his Degrees and accomplishments in the Masons include 57 year Master Mason, Past Master of Clinton Lodge #23, 50 plus years Order of the Eastern Star, Member of the Shriner Mini Patrol. 32nd Degree K.C.C.H. Scottish Rite Mason, 50 plus years York Rite – Member of Henderson Chapter & Council and D.D.G.M. 21-B, 1994.
Known as Brother Graham, Monroe, Uncle Dugan, Daddy and Papa, he will be deeply missed by his friends and family. The legacy of his life, his character and his heart will never be forgotten. Pallbearers are Heath Sutlive, Gary Sutlive, Bill Youngblood, Stephen Strong, Mike Ross, Mike Bridwell. Honorary pallbearers are members of Pine Hill Lodge #95 and Clinton Lodge #23.
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