Joseph A Graham

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 December 3, 1958 in Effingham, Illinois to John and Margret Graham. He was one of six children.

Joe grew up in North Manchester where he graduated form North Manchester High School in 1977. After graduation he joined the Air Force Reserve. On March 14m 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, TN, Tina (John) Duckett of Crothersville, and Barb (Frank) Schetzle of Bourbon as well as 8 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, 2023 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, 2290 Provident Court, Warsaw.

Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. on Tuesday July 11, 2023 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.