Wayne E. “Turtle” Graham, 87 of Fremont, OH passed away at his home on Tuesday, March 24, 2015. He was born on March 16, 1928 in Tiffin, OH to the late Birt and Bertha (Zimmerman) Graham. He was a 1946 graduate of Tiffin Columbian High School. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1947.
Wayne married Jeannine Dorothy Binder on August 21, 1949 in Tiffin, OH and she preceded him in death on February 23, 2014. Wayne was employed by Ohio Bell for many years until he retired in 1985. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, the Fremont Elks Lodge, American Legion and V.F.W. He loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, his dogs, his automobiles and motorcycles. He was an avid sports fan and Ohio State fan. His great story telling will be truly missed by many.
Wayne is survived by his children, Terry Graham, Cocoa Beach, FL, David Graham, Fremont, OH, Jane (Joseph) Marchica, Woodville, OH; grandchildren, Brent, Brad, Broc and Brittany Graham, Liza Mendez and Kelly Graham, Jenny Marko and Jackie McCormack; great grandchildren, Gabriella, Kaylynn, Austin, Madison, Noah, Emilio, Elijah, Legend, Levi and Roman.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jeannine Graham and brother, Donald Graham.
Visitation: Saturday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 425 E State St., Fremont, OH.
Memorial Service: Sunday, March 29, 2015; 2:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 705 W. State St., Fremont, OH with an hour of visitation prior to the service. Pastor Jody Rice will be officiating.
Memorials: Grace Lutheran Church or Humane Society of Sandusky County
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joan guthrie -mullholand
Jane and family, dad and I are very sorry about the lose of your dad. He will be missed by everyone that knew him. I am very grateful I got to see him last Saturday. If there is anything we can do please call. Sincerely, Joan and Jack
Cindy Rizzardi
Dear Graham Children & Grandchildren,
I Was so sad to read of Wayne’s passing today in the News-Messinger. I worked with him for many, many years at Ohio Bell Telephone Co. He was just the finest co-worker and friend a person could hope for. He was so very kind and humorous. Never a dull moment. I am so proud to have shared just a small place in his life. He will be missed tremendously by the many friends and people who’s lives he touched.
Keeping You all close in thought and prayer.
My Sincerest Sympathy,
Cindy~Forsyth~Rizzardi
Jon Brough
So sorry for the loss of your father. He will truly be missed. I will never forget the many times we sat at the Elks together and his many interesting stories.
Rosie Evans
So sorry for your loss . Thoughts and prayers . Peace be with you
Dana Dorsey
Prayers for the family of “Turtle”. Lots of memories of playing softball and golf with him. He
will be missed, but good memories carry on.
Bob Morton
A kind-hearted man who I had many pleasant conversations with at the Elks Lodge.
STEVE HARDER
Dave, your family has our sympathy in this difficult time. Remember, your father did not say good-bye. He said see you later.
Steve Karlovetz
Our thoughts and prayers to the family. Wayne will be truly missed by everyone at the E-Z Shop.
Doug and Deb Gallagher
What joy and laughter Turtle brought to all. Many great memories over the decades. He will be missed. Gods peace and blessings to the family. Doug and Deb Gallagher
Sandy (Latvis) Good
My thoughts and prayers are with all the family…Wayne was the best friend to my dad ‘Jocko”… They worked together when it was called Ohio Bell Telephone Co. and were friends for close to 50 years. My dad would always tell me Wayne was his best friend. Even after both retired they stayed in touch and when my dad went to assisted living Wayne would visit him there. I was always so greatful for those times he came to visit my dad because it always brightened up his day. And when my dad passed away, Wayne was there too; and he said to me, ‘I told my kids this was one funeral I needed to be at’… He was the sweetest man and so caring, and I am positive he and my dad are still keeping in touch…