Francis “Frank” Michael Graham March 19, 1930 – January 10, 2019 Dr. Francis M. Graham went to his heavenly home on January 10, 2019. He was born in Sparta, Wisconsin, on March 19, 1930 as the second of nine children to Francis Michael Graham, Sr and Theresa Snyder Graham, “but got to Texas as soon as he could! ” Visitation will be 6:oo pm Monday, January 14th at the Grace Gardens Funeral Home, with a Rosary to follow at 7 pm.
Funeral Mass is scheduled for 11 a.m. on January 15th at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church in nearby Hewitt. As a high school dropout, in January 1947, at the age of 16, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp (which later became the U.S. Air Force after splitting from the Army). Graham served in the U.S. Navy from June 1950 to May 1954 as a member of the Underwater Demolition Team (which was a prelude to the Navy Seals).
In 1955, he went back into the Army, serving until retirement in 1971, as Sergeant Major with the Special Forces. After obtaining his Doctorate in Psychology at Southern Mississippi in 1976, he practiced for over 20 years with the VA, private hospitals and TDC. Frank was an active member of the local Special Forces chapter 93, St. Jerome’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, and Woodway VFW.
He was also a past president of the local American Heart Association and the Italian Club of Waco. His hobbies were varied, including: breeding horses for racing, traveling, reading, movies, having family and friends over for game night, and a connoisseur of fine wines and food. He is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Theresa Graham; sister, Maxine Kreen; and brothers, Duane, Patrick, and Lawrence.
He is survived by the love of his life, Trish, his wife of 34 years and his canine companion, Murphy; daughters, Tish Carpenter and husband Greg, of China Spring, and Moira Eileen Graham of Del Rio, Tx. ; son, Kevin Kelly Graham, also of Del Rio, Tx. ; Born: March 19, 1930 Death: January 10, 2019 five grandchildren, Casey and Hailey Carpenter of China Spring; Jordan Kieran, Kenzie Ariana, and Jacqueline Mairead Graham of Del Rio; siblings, Patty Graham, Mary Jensen, Ellen Knight-Graham (Mary), of Wisconsin, Mike Graham (Jean) of South Carolina, and Robert Graham (Donna), of Illinois; Father-in-law Stanley Bogard (Emma) of Big Spring; Sister-in-law Jeananne Gafford (Ken) of Bastrop; Brother-in-law Chris Bogard (Carolyn) of Midland; and nieces, nephews, and friends too numerous to mention!
The family suggests memorials in lieu of flowers be sent to Special Forces Association, Chapter 93, Benevolence Fund, PO Box 23383, Waco, Tx. 76702-3383.
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