Lawrence Graham

Lawrence Graham, 90, of Morris, IL, passed away on Tuesday, March 22, 2022  at Morris Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am Monday March 28, 2022 at St. Columba Church, with Rev. Gary Caster officiating. Visitation will be Sunday 2-4  at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery with Military Honors.

Lawrence was born February 13, 1932, in Ottawa, IL, to William and Marguerite (O'Connor) Graham . He married Argelia "Artie" Fernandiz on June 19th 1954 at St. Anthony’s church in Joliet Illinois.

He served in the US Air Force in Korea.     He retired from the Carpenter/ Millwright Union in 1992.                   

To all, Larry Graham was a friend.  To a fortunate few Larry was a father, a grandfather, a great grandfather and a husband.  He was devoted to his family and found the most joy in a house full of children to whom he could sneak some candy or a cookie.

His fondest memories were always of his family camping, fishing, and exploring the United States. 

For years Larry and his wife Artie brought happiness to their community by building and running an ice cream shop in Seneca Illinois. 

Together they traveled the world visiting 4 continents and nearly all 50 states. 

Larry always stayed busy.  Friday nights meant pizza at Bianchis and if the kids had good grades, ice cream at Baskin Robins.  Saturdays were for projects.  He always had projects.  Saturday nights were for playing cards with friends and bragging about his grandchildren. 

Larry served his country during the Korean War with Air Force but his service didn’t end there.  If there was anything that rivaled the love he had for his family it was Larry’s sense of duty to his country and the servicemen and women that protect it.  As a disabled veteran himself, Larry spent countless hours on street corners and grocery stores selling poppies and raising money for other disabled veterans. 

Larry leaves a legacy of grace, dedication, love and compassion.  His life will always be an example to the generations that precede him.

He is survived by his wife Artie Graham; his children Elizabeth Karr, Kevin Graham, Alan Graham; his grandchildren Emery Taylor, Claire Taylor, Jennifer Wadley, Mike Graham and Louis Graham; and his great grandchildren Jase, Aubrey, Brooks Taylor - Winter Wadley - Ethan, Emerson and Emma Graham.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents.

Pallbearers will be Tim Graham. Emery Taylor. Kevin Graham. Alan Graham. Mike Graham. Dorian Mueller. Louis Graham.

Memorials may be directed to the Disabled Veterans of Morris Illinois and Immaculate Conception Church Morris Illinois.

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