Joseph Allen Graham, or as everyone called him Joe, gained his wings and golden guitar on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at the age of 64.
He was born on Dec. 3, 1958, in Effingham, Ill., to John and Margret Graham. He was one of six children.
Joe grew up in North Manchester where he graduated from North Manchester High School in 1977. After graduation he joined the Air Force Reserve. On March 14, 1981, he married the love of his life, Saundra Annette Bradford. For 42 amazing years they lived in Silver Lake, where they raised their two children, Gintry (Ryan) Slone of Warsaw and J.T. Graham of Fort Wayne. He was the proud Pa to four grandchildren: Phil, Jay, Ollie and Alyx. He loved his grandchildren so much and the smile and love they brought to him will be something he always cherished.
Joe worked at Dalton Foundry for 38 years where he loved his job in the pattern shop. There wasn’t an issue he couldn’t figure out how to make a piece to fix it. Even after retirement he still missed doing his job.
When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed working on cars and teaching his children the same skills. They both thank him for that to this day and know how to properly hold a flashlight. He enjoyed taking care of his yard, raising a garden and taking his telescope to look at the stars. He was a dead shot when it came to groundhogs. His most loved past time was playing his many guitars. He was so very talented not only playing, but singing too. His family would love to just sit and listen to him play. He even wrote his own song that will forever be cherished by his family.
Joe is also survived by his three sisters: Linda (Chuck) David, of Smithville, Tenn.; Tina (John) Duckett, of Crothersville; and Barb (Frank) Schetzle, of Bourbon; as well as eight nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Tom and Harold: a nephew, Rick Wireman; niece, Kathy Harmon; and father-in-law, Charles Bradford.
Visitation will be held on Monday July 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, 2290 Provident Court, Warsaw. Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 11 at the Silver Lake Cemetery, 3161 Myrtle Glen Drive, Silver Lake.
Memorial contributions can be made to American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852; or American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.
Condolences may be sent to the family through the website: www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com.