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Daniel “Dan” E. Graham

Daniel “Dan” E. Graham

Our community sadly lost a pillar on Wednesday Dec. 17, 2024, when Daniel “Dan” E. Graham; also known as “Uncle Son,” passed away from natural causes.

He was born at the family home at Big Tygart in Mineral Wells, WV, on July 28,1933. He was one of six children of the late Thomas P and Edna G Cooper Graham. Receiving the Lord as his savior at a young age and was baptized in the Big Tygart Baptist Church in Mineral Wells WV.

He was a 1951 graduate of Parkersburg High School. In 1953 he was drafted and served his country in the US Army as a Platoon Leader and E-5 Specialist Second Class, being stationed at the Fort Lewis base in Washington and returned home safely in 1955. A graduate of Marietta College in 1959 with a B.S. degree in Business Administration; which he accredited to allowing him to have the opportunity to have the career path he chose.

In addition to his parent’s, he was preceded in death by his first wife Harriett Wine Graham and their son David Graham. His second wife, Kathryn “Kathy” Taylor Graham which passed September 5, 2023; siblings Thomas E Graham (Louise), Ruth Utt (Buck-James), Louise Johnson (Paul), and Dorothy “Dot” Geisel (Alvin).

His careers consisted of working in the office at the American Viscose Factory; a cost accountant at the Marbon Chemical Plant; and finally, State Farm Insurance. He started with State Farm in 1961 and was the first Belpre Ohio agent until 1974; at which time he advanced to Agency Manager until 1976. In 1976 he moved to Newark Ohio and was an Agency Director until 1979 when he took the position of Agency Manager in WV. In 1996 he got the opportunity to return home to Parkersburg and finished his career as an agent, retiring in 2014.

During his career with State Farm, he acquired numerous certifications, licenses, and industry designations of CLU, CPCU, ChFC, and LUTCF. There were numerous travel awards allowing European travels to Italy, France, Spain, German, and Austria, as well as many state side trips.

When working part time at Matlack Motors and attending college, he became a car enthusiast. From classics to exotics, one of kind and those rare cars, he allowed that passion to fuel his dreams with the finest rides. He was a devout believer not just owning the cars, but in driving the cars so other people could enjoy them also. While living in Belpre he was active in the Belpre Civitan Club and Belpre Shriners; and a current member of the Parkersburg Masonic Lodge #3. He enjoyed attending the WVU football games, local high school football games, and recreational baseball games. He and his family have for many years had the opportunity to spend quality time at the family cabin in Bemis, WV, where many domino games were engaged, as well as sharing stories and memories.

He is survived by brother Larry Graham (Janice) of Lafayette Indiana, nephew Greg Graham and niece Vickie Robertson of Indiana. Nephew Tom Graham (Sheri) of High Point NC; great-nephew Chad Graham (Kristen); nieces Sheila Graham, Sharon Walker (Carl), Judy Williams (Bud); Step Daughter Pam Andrews (Tom) of Columbus OH; Step Grand Son Ian Andrews (Leslie) of Galena OH and Step Grand Daughter Devon Andrews of Columbus OH; as well as many additional great nieces and nephews.

He has had the honor of having great friends in his lifetime but would like to extend a special thank you to his best friend Connie Brown; his friend and dog sitter Ruthie Sieber; family friend Alma Dotson; and his great nephew Chad Graham which he had a very special relationship with and helped to also get started with State Farm.

Services will be Saturday 1 p.m. at the Leavitt Funeral Home, Parkersburg with Pastor Adam Myers officiating.

Burial will be held at the convenience of the family at Rockland Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday 4-6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.LeavittFuneralHome.com.