Joseph Anthony "Tony" Graham Sr.

1949 - 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Joseph "Tony" Anthony Graham Sr., 75, of Healy, Alaska. He was suddenly welcomed to his heavenly home on May 30, 2025. He was affectionately known as Tony, Honey, Joseph, Pop or Papa. Tony lived a life full of love, dedication and service to his family, church and community. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend, mentor and pastor. His legacy of love and compassion will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched. We are grateful to think of him walking with Jesus in Heaven with sight in both eyes!

Tony was born in Keokuk, Iowa, on Oct. 20, 1949, to Clester and Jeannette Graham. He was born third to a busy family of 13 siblings, whom he loved to tease and pester. In his childhood, he met his lifelong best friend, Bob (Linda) Fox, who was like a brother to him. Tony's family moved to Kentucky, where he graduated high school in 1967, but his connection to Keokuk continued throughout his life.

He followed his parents to Alaska, who came to Healy in 1968. There, he met the love of his life, Elma "Binky" Graham, and they were married on August 20 of that year. Together they built a life they loved, raising three sons, Joseph Jr., William and Robert and helping raise their precious niece, Jennifer. Tony was a talented musician, and he shared his voice and guitar with many, and loved to praise the Lord. He had a witty sense of humor and shared that with many too! He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and loads of grand adventures were had.

Tony's career in mining began as a bull cook with the Vitro Mining Company in 1969 and ended as the production manager with Usibelli Coal Mine in 2002. In 1987, Tony and Binky began a Bible study in their living room that grew into the founding of In His Shadow Ministries church. In retirement, Tony's daily work entailed tending to the church's needs, volunteering for more than 20 years at the Tri-Valley Volunteer Fire Department and serving countless people in the community. He lived a life of devotion to the Lord, his family and his neighbors. The time he spent doing mission work in Nepal was precious to him.

Tony is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Binky; and together their tremendous legacy includes sons Tony Jr. and his wife Eeva; Billy and his wife Tina; Rob and his wife Ticee; and niece/daughter Jennifer Freeman and her husband Brandon. His lovely grandchildren are Serafiina (fiancée Oliver Wentworth), Josi (Ashley), Mirella, Elijah, Adi and Ayana Graham; Kami (Dakota) MacIver, Ethan (Elle), Caleb (Karly), and Christopher Graham; Jael, Zoé (fiancée Patrick Smith), Miciah, Caethan and Gideon Graham; and Aiden and Allison Freeman. His adored great-grandchildren are Judah Graham; Lucy, Leah and Louisa MacIver; Evelyn, Harper and Taliya Graham; Magdalene Graham; Nicodemus Batori; and one due any day. He was a cherished "Uncle Tony" and valued member of a large extended family and honorary "Pop or Papa" to many, many more. He will also be missed by his faithful canine sidekick, Sophie.

He is preceded in death by his parents Clester and Jeannette Graham and brothers Clester and Jens Graham. Surviving siblings include Ann (Gerry) Hamelton, Mary Jo (Ron) Clark, Jon (Dorma) Graham, James Graham, Jeff (Tara) Graham, Shawn "Ralph" Graham, Michael (Cecee) Graham, Patrick Graham, Celeste (Tony) Winsor, and Tim Graham.

A celebration of life will be held at In His Shadow Ministries in Healy, Alaska, on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 3 p.m. A private family graveside service at Valley View Memorial Cemetery in Healy will be held directly after. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Last Frontier Ministries, PO Box 167, Healy, AK 99743.