Obituary of Charles Graham

Charles J. Graham Age 88. Passed away Saturday, March 14, 2015 at Joliet Area Community Hospice after a short battle with cancer. Born in Joliet to the late Charles J. Sr. and Marguerite (Horrigan) Graham, a lifelong resident. Survived by his son, Kevin Graham of Joliet; nieces, Sara (Sally) Niedrich, Jean Bagel and Jane Crnkovic; and nephews, John Graham and Jim Graham. Preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Marjorie A. (nee Tynon) Graham who recently lost her own short battle with cancer January 1st; brother, John Graham; and nephew, Scott Graham. Chuck, as he was known to his friends, went to St. Raymond grade school and graduated from Joliet Catholic High School. He went on to the University of New Mexico and finished his degree at the University of Illinois. A U.S. Army veteran serving two tours of duty during WWII and the Korean War. Formerly employed by the City of Joliet in the engineering department, he also served at the Joliet Arsenal as a technical illustrator, Chanute Air Force Base, and the U.S. Great Lakes Navel Training as an as-built draftsman. Chuck was a talented and accomplished painter, loved photography and travel. He and his loving wife made many trips around America covering almost all 50 states and abroad traveling to over five continents. He even parasailed in Mexico at the ripe age of 80. He would edit his travel videos and his wife Marge would narrate them for Joliet Volunteer Community Television Channel 6 where he volunteered as a cameraman and editor. He was a feature writer for the Herald News Common Sense column for a number of years. A man of eclectic interests, he had a great sense of fun and found creative ways to contribute to art, history and community. As a younger man he loved odd cars, owning a series of Volkswagen Beetles, and occasionally acquiring and repairing other automotive oddities, such as a rare Isetta, with a door that passengers entered from the vehicle's front. He enjoyed going to car shows and until this year never missed the Chicago Auto Show. He was an expert in WWII aircraft and loved anything aeronautical. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, attended many air shows including the Oshkosh, WI air show, and never passed up an opportunity to take a ride in a small aircraft or helicopter. He was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic minister, an usher, and a member of the Paulite's group. Funeral Services for Charles J. Graham will be held Thursday, March 19, 2015 at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00a.m. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, with full military honors under the auspices of the U.S. Army. Memorials in his name to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church would be appreciated. Visitation Wednesday, 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. For more information: (815) 741-5500