Richard Edmund Graham

Richard Edmund Burns-Graham Sr, the son of Louis Burns Sr. and Amy Burns-Graham, was born on December 27, 1942, in Indianapolis Indiana. He attended both Cathedral and Crispus Attucks High School where he completed his education. He served in the US Army honorably in Korea during the Vietnam War and was a proud Army veteran. Richard enjoyed sports, travel, and a plethora of hobbies. Some of them were playing basketball, umpiring baseball games, biking on his 10-speed, tournament bowling, & traveling, traveling, and more traveling. He was an avid coin collector, loved crossword puzzles, playing the piano, history, genealogy, and working on his second language (Spanish) in hopes of becoming fluent and bilingual. Before his passing Richard had traced several of his family members combing through birth records and ancestory.com. He reunited with a couple of his cousins and shared many stories about his findings and the relationships he developed with his newfound family along the way.

Richard worked for the Marion County Sheriff’s Department as a Reserve Deputy for 10 years from 1981-1991 and was Employed at Bryant-Carrier heating and cooling for 47 years. Richard’s faith was shaped at an early age at St. Rita Catholic Church in Indianapolis, IN, where he was an Alter Boy. He later accepted Jesus Christ as his savior at Psalms Missionary Baptist Church Indianapolis, IN where he later was baptized by Pastor Emeritus Douglas D Tate Sr. Richard’s favorite song that he led in the choir was: "I’m Blessed" sung by Rev Evans and the Fellowship Choir.

Richard departed this life on January 9, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents Lewis E. Burns Sr., Adolph Graham, Amy Burns-Graham, & and his Brother Louis Burns Jr.

He leaves behind his loving brother Reginald Graham and sister Sheila Burns-Godhigh. Five Sons: Keith Graham, Kevin Graham, Richard Graham Jr., Gregory Graham, Christopher Graham Sr. (Aleshia), and Stepson: Tony McClennon. Three daughters; Robin Colton (Bernard) Quiana Nguyen, and Vanessa Gardner (Duane). 24 grand-children, and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews; and a host of family and friends.

A visitation for Richard will be held Thursday, January 18, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 W. 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208, followed by a celebration of life at 12:00 PM. The service will be livestreamed on the Crown Hill Facebook page starting at 12:00 PM.