Dale Wallace Graham left this world peacefully on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was born at home on the farm on June 28, 1924, to William and Dena (Westhoff) Graham. He spent most of his 97 years of his life in rural Raymond.
He heard God’s calling to be a farmer and disciple early in his life. He was known to say he never worked a day in his life because he always enjoyed what he was doing. He was a patriarch and leader who took great pride in his family, a faithful caretaker of his land and cattle, a tireless community supporter, and above all, a follower of Christ. He retired from farming at the age of 70 and moved to Litchfield’s Timber Creek Village in 2018.
Mr. Graham was the longest active member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Raymond, where he served as a deacon, elder and member of the Mariner’s Life Group. He also was involved with the Montgomery County Farm Bureau, a trustee of the Raymond Fire Department and active in the Central Illinois Livestock Association Board. He was a third degree Mason.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Helen Joan Crawford Graham; son, William Graham and wife Sheryl of Cleveland, TN; daughters, Marilyn Biehler and husband Randy of Shelbyville, and Cathy Allen and husband Dr. Kevin Allen of Stillwater, OK; nine grandchildren, Misty Decker, William Graham, Ashley Graham, Cayla Duckett, Dr. Paige Reese, Connor Biehler, Caylene Allen, Shannon Willis and Bridgette Allen; and seven great-grandchildren, MacKenzie Decker, Marlee Duckett, Mallory Duckett, Tyce Duckett, Michael Graham, Alaina Graham and Wyatt Graham Reese.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Harold Maynard Graham and Lynn W. Graham.
Visitation was held Sunday, Aug. 22, outside at the Community of Faith Church in Raymond. Burial will be held Monday, Aug. 23, at 10:30 a.m. in Asbury Cemetery, Raymond.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in his honor to Asbury Cemetery, Panhandle Food Pantry, Raymond Harvel Ambulance Service or a charity of donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be left at www.houghfuneralhome.com.
