Matt Graham

 TAYLORVILLE, ILLINOIS—Matt Graham, 78, of Taylorville, formerly of Stonington, died 12:10 p.m. Sunday, April 14, 2002 in his residence.

Services were held at 10 a.m. April 18 in St. Mary’s Catholic church, Taylorville, with Father John O’Connell officiating.  Visitation was held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in McClure Funeral Home with 4:30 prayer service.  Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery with military honors by Stonington American Legion Post.  Memorials:  St. Vincent Memorial Hospital Hospice or American Cancer Society.

Mr. Graham was born in Stonington on January 20, 1924, the son of Matthew F. and Eleanor Doyle Graham.  He was a prominent farmer in the Stonington area and a World War II Navy veteran.   Mr. Graham was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic church, Knights of Columbus of Taylorville, Fourth Degree Knights of Decatur, member and past commander of Stonington American Legion, former board member of Stonington Co-op Grain Co., charter member  of American Agriculture Movement, former member of Stonington Township Board and one of the organizers of the first Holy Trinity steak Dinner in Stonington.  He married Daisy Gorden Graham in Stonington on January 29, 1945.

Surviving are his wife; children, Tom Graham and wife Mary Linda of Taylorville; Bill Graham and wife Rona of Lexington; Ann Altman and husband Bud of Taylorville; Nancy Fulk and husband Gary of Assumption; Mage Dickerson of Edinburg; Nell Smock and husband Jerry of Pawnee; Pete Graham and wife Linda of Moweaqua; Julie Graham of Taylorville; Kate Buesinger and husband Gary of Morris; Theresa Oller and husband Joe of Taylorville, Jane Butcher and husband Greg of Assumption; Lorraine Briere and husband Don of Lake Geneva, Wis.; brother Joe Graham and wife Elaine of Taylorville, 19 grandchildren, and  12 great grandchildren. 

Matt Graham spent many days working in the D.C. office.  He was a very dedicated  AAM member and a member until his death.  He will be greatly missed.