Edward Jacob Graham

Edward Jacob Graham, 78, of Bastrop, Texas, passed into his heavenly life on Saturday, August 6, 2016, surrounded by his wife and daughters in Davenport, Iowa. He was born in Hazelhurst, Georgia, on July 21, 1938.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Marie Graham Cowart, Brother Lester Graham, Sister-in-law Angelina Graham and Brother-in-law Harry Hurley. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mildred Jennett Graham; sons Michael, Kenneth and Darryl; daughters Sheila Gonzales and Lisa Morris (Steve); grandchildren, Julia Johnson (Brent), Jaime Brandon Gonzales (Jessica), Charles Graham and Allyson Morris; great grandchildren, Christine Aguirre (Javier), Julia Spinks, Jeremy Johnson and Inez Perez; great-great grandchildren Julian Spinks and Tristan Aguirre; sister Dorothy Hurley, step-sister Peggy Altman, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, his special aunt Ruth Williams, and his friends of over 44 years John and Dottie Lancaster.

Edward served in the United States Air Force for 22 years, 6 months and 19 days and retired as a Master Sergeant. He served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. After retirement he had his own knife sharpening and engraving business. He was passionate about knives and spent many hours making them. He loved to tinker with anything and everything. He enjoyed learning and sharing his knowledge with his children and grandchildren.

In 2001, he and his wife began their life on the road visiting old friends, making new ones and exploring the United States and Canada. They made seven trips to Alaska between 1989 and 2009. When they were not at home in Bastrop, they enjoyed their social life with friends in Trinity, Texas. It was here that he became involved with the Knights of Columbus. He spent many hours helping with the Lenten fish fry's and serving his fellow man.

This was to be their last year on the road enjoying their travels. They enjoyed spending their summers along the Mississippi River, watching the barges move up and down the river. Ed never met a stranger and enjoyed every moment he had visiting with and meeting new people. Edward was loved by his family, friends and friends who were like family. He will be truly missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing him.