Martin Graham

Martin Cantrall Graham

MARIETTA, GA- Martin Cantrall Graham, 83, of Springfield, Illinois departed his earthly life in Marietta, Georgia on August 2, 2012. Known to his friends as Marty, he was born on December 18, 1928 in Springfield, Illinois to Jessica Martin Graham, a school teacher, and Ronald Clifton Graham, a farm manager, who both preceded him in death. He was the brother of R. Clifton Graham, who also preceded him in death. Marty lived most of his younger life in Springfield and moved back to Springfield later in his life.

Marty graduated from Springfield High School where he became interested in running the hurdles. He was an accomplished track man and could fly over the hurdles with ease. He continued his track career for many years, eventually running for the Navy. He was an accomplished hurdler even into his 60's, winning several medals in the Senior Olympics. Marty also had an affinity for the water and was a diver, swimming instructor and lifeguard for many years. He taught lifeguard training for the American Red Cross to new lifeguards and was the head lifeguard during his high school and college years.

He graduated with a bachelor's degree from Illinois Wesleyan University, where he was affiliated with the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He was a loyal Titan booster, attending many Wesleyan games over the years. Go Titans! Before graduating from Wesleyan, he took time off from his studies to join the Navy during the Korean War. He trained in Pensacola Florida as a fighter pilot, becoming skilled at taking off and landing from aircraft carriers. He was always proud of his Navy years and for serving his country in the military and had some exciting memories of being a pilot. After graduating from Wesleyan, he became a financial advisor specializing in life insurance, stocks and mutual funds.

Marty lived many years in Bloomington, Illinois. There he raised his three children (his proudest achievement) with his former wife, Donna Renken Graham. His children all survive him: Debbie (husband Steve) Gibbon of Marietta, Georgia; Liza (husband Hugh) Marasa of Tiburon, California; and Steve (wife Kelli) Graham of San Rafael, California. All five of his grandchildren affectionately called him "Magic Grandpa" for the magic tricks he performed for them when they were young. He was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Bloomington, beginning when he first moved to Bloomington and continuing after moving back to Springfield. He made many lifelong friends there and served in various leadership capacities at the church. Never one to sit still, he was an usher there into his 80's.

In his spare time he loved the game of golf, which was a passion of his from an early age. He spent many hours out on the links or at the driving range practicing his game over the years. He enjoyed living on the Piper Glen Golf course in his later years, playing in the golf league and spending time with friends. After temporarily moving to Marietta, Georgia when his health started declining some nine months ago, it was always his intention to recuperate and return to his friends, church, activities, and work, all of which he loved, back in Illinois.

Marty lived his life with a positive spirit, unwavering sense of humor, and a love of people. He had the ability to strike up a conversation with almost anyone. He filled his life with fun and adventure and had a deep love of family.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bloomington at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, a tribute gift may be made to The American Red Cross at www.redcross.org using the following family contact information: Liza Graham Marasa, 11 Reed Ranch Road, Tiburon CA 94920