Donald R. Graham

Upon graduating from Pendleton High School, Donald was drafted into the military to serve in the Korean War. He served in the US Army 24h division from 1950-1952. Upon return to the states, he attended Ball State University where he graduated with an educational degree in 1955. While working on his master’s degree at Ball State, Donald met the love of his life, Shirley Ann Ash, and he married her in 1953. They were married for 61 years.

Donald first taught in the Angola school system as an industrial arts teacher. In 1957, he entered the Fort Wayne Community School system where he would end up teaching for another 36 years. He taught history and later served as an audiovisual coordinator. During his summer breaks in the 1960's, Donald worked as a seasonal National Park Ranger in Glacier National Park. He would recall that those were some of the best summers of his life. Upon retiring from teaching, he and Shirley spent the next 21 years living in Zephyrhills Florida during the winter months while still residing in Fort Wayne during the summers. Donald spent the last several years of his life living Indianapolis to be closer to his son and grandchildren. He enjoyed woodworking, camping, and telling jokes. Most of all Donald enjoyed spending time with his five grandchildren. He was a member of the Indiana Freemasons, Scottish Rite, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and Fort Wayne Retired Teachers Association. He and his wife attended Aldersgate United Methodist Church when living in Fort Wayne.

In addition to his parents, Hallie Earl Sr. and Beatrice (Vorhees) Graham, Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ann Ash; brother, Hallie Graham Jr,; and sisters, Emma Landers, Naomi Sutton, Wanda Dietz, Lola Parker, and Donna Williams. Surviving are his son, Brett & daughter-in-law Christina (Clouse) Graham of Indianapolis; as well as grandchildren, Jacob, Lucas, Daniel, Michael and Andrew.

A funeral service to honor Donald's life and legacy will be held at 1:30pm on Monday, March 14, 2022, at D.O. McComb & Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior to service. He will be laid to rest at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his honor may be directed to the American Cancer Society, or the Indianapolis Honor Flight. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Donald's family may be shared at www.McCombandSons.com.