Jerry Eugene Graham

1928 - 2023

Stanwood - Jerry Eugene Graham died peacefully on December 19, 2023 after a brief illness, with family members by his side. He was 95 years old. The youngest son of Ellis Earl and Mary Mae Sanderson Graham, he was born on February 2, 1928, in Fairview, Utah.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Dean (Hancock) Graham, his brother Rodney, and his sisters Joan, Gloria, and Nora Mae.

He is survived by his second wife, Barbara Jeanne (Kalfur), his four sons, Brent, Kelly, Gary, and Clark, four daughters-in-laws, Ann, Sally, Beth, and Deb, sixteen grandchildren, and thirty-four great grandchildren.

Jerry was an avid hunter and fisherman in his early years. He even built his own canoe to get out on the lakes. The family would take vacations into Colorado to camp and fish. He loved watching football and many mornings music would echo in the house as he played his electric keyboard and sang.

He loved his vegetable garden. He would take the time to fix things around the house rather than replace them with new items, sometimes even when others thought they needed replacing.

He graduated from Brigham Young University in 1953 in communications and became a radio announcer before moving on to the FAA where he earned a second degree in electronics. He worked for the Federal Aviation Administration for most of his career as an electronics technician, working his way up to sector chief before retiring.

Jerry was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and served a mission for the Church in Oregon and Northern California. Jerry spent most of his time as a bishopric member and finally the bishop of the Santa Fe Ward. He was made the stake patriarch when the Santa Fe Stake was formed, a position he also held when he moved to Washington state. He went on to become the oldest serving stake patriarch in the Church before being made emeritus. He served as a temple worker for many years also. The family appreciates all the love and support friends have offered and finds comfort in knowing so many loved him. He will be missed.

A viewing for Jerry will be held on January 4, 2024 from 10am-4pm at Gilbertson Funeral Home in Stanwood. Viewing at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Camano Island will be held on January 5, 2024 at 10am. Funeral services for Jerry will be held following the viewing at Church at 11am.