Donald Graham

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Lee Graham, who departed this life peacefully on May 11, 2025, at Candlestone Assisted Living in Midland, Michigan. Surrounded by the love of his family, Don passed from this life into the arms of his Savior, entering eternal rest in Heaven. He was born on May 1, 1931, in Hymera, Indiana, to the late Ross and Hazel (McClanahan) Graham, the third of four children.
Don graduated from Bourbon High School in Indiana, where he met and later married his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Ann Seymour. Their marriage was a remarkable 62-year journey filled with love, travel, and adventure.
After earning a degree in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University, Don began his long and distinguished career at Dow Chemical in Midland in 1953. He held numerous roles in plastics technical service and R&D management before becoming Director of Research at Dow's Walnut Creek Laboratories in California. While in Walnut Creek, Don also served as Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce. Later, in Coral Gables, Florida, he served as Vice President and Director of Operations for Dow Latin America until his retirement in 1986.
Don's professional involvement extended beyond Dow. He was a trustee of the Federal Trade Commission's Products Research Committee, and a board member of Cynara Co. and Hydroscience Inc. Yet, despite these accomplishments, Don's greatest devotion was always to his family and friends.
A gifted woodworker, Don crafted many cherished pieces of furniture, cabinets, and wall clocks that his children now cherish. He also had a passion for restoring MG cars, earning awards along both the West and Southeast coasts.
In retirement, Don and Phyllis built a home in Oldsmar, Florida, where Don served on the Board of Governors of the East Lake Woodlands Country Club. In 2011, they moved to Regency Oaks Senior Living Community in Clearwater, FL. Don relocated to Candlestone Assisted Living in Midland in March 2025.
Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Phyllis Ann, his parents, and his siblings: Robert Earl (Chella) Graham of Palo Alto, CA; Eldon Leon (Vicky) Graham of Midland, MI; and Dr. Loren Raymond Graham of Cambridge, MA. He was also predeceased by sister and brother-in-law Lamora and Clyde Filson, brother and sister-in-law Lowell and Betty Seymour of Plymouth, IN, and step-grandson Jason Hartz of Huntersville, NC.
He is survived by his four children: Dr. Stephen Lee (Maria) Graham of Albuquerque NM, Cynthia Ann (Donald) Hartz of Sanford, MI, Diane Kay (Paul) Krcma of Colorado Springs, CO, and Robert Bruce Graham (Jane Van Ness) of Beaverton, OR. Also surviving are his four grandchildren: Tracy Ada (Douglas) Brubaker, David Conrad (Ann) Bruzewski, Michael Graham (Jenny) Bruzewski all of Midland, MI, and Robert Elliot (Yohanny) Graham of Dallas, TX, and his great-grandchildren Allison Grace Brubaker, Hazel Lynn and Sloane Graham Bruzewski of Midland, Robert Bruce Graham of Dallas, TX. Step-grandchildren: Jeffrey (Beth) Hartz of Bay City, MI, Jamie Hartz of Huntersville, NC, and Julie (Jamie) Wheelock of Cheboygan, MI. Seven step-great-grandchildren: Kate Hartz, Ella and Andrew Kunisch of Bay City, MI, Tegan and Dylan Wheelock of Cheboygan, MI, and Andrew and Isabel Hartz of Huntersville, NC. Don is also survived by his dearly loved partner, Jerry-Ann Saltarelli of Clearwater, FL; his sister-in-law, Dr. Patricia Graham of Cambridge, MA; and many nieces, nephews, and friends, including special friends Allen and the late Rosie Gerard of Tucson, AZ.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Midland, Michigan. The service will be officiated by the Reverend Jeremy Africa. The family will receive visitors at the church beginning at 1:00 p.m., prior to the service. A private burial will take place at Midland City Cemetery. Those wishing to express their sympathy may consider a memorial contribution to the First United Methodist Church of Midland, MI, the Trinity Presbyterian Church of Clearwater, FL, or the Candlestone Assisted Living of Midland, MI. Funeral arrangements are being managed by Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Directors, Midland, MI.