Herb Graham of Buckeye, Arizona, passed away on July 4, 2024, at the age of 91. He was born on September 19, 1932, in Carrollton, Illinois, to loving parents George and Gilda. Growing up on a family farm in Greene County alongside six siblings, Herb learned the values of hard work and community.
He attended a local country schoolhouse before graduating from Carrollton High School in 1950. In 1959, he married his beloved wife, Mary Lahr, and together they welcomed four children: Sheri, Stephen (d. 1961), Alan, and Brenda.
In Illinois, Herb was an active member of the Illinois Valley Blacksmith Association, where he developed a passion for blacksmithing. His craft brought him joy and forged lasting friendships that felt like family.
In later years, Herb and Mary relocated to Arizona, where they found a vibrant community of musicians in the Phoenix Valley. Their love for music deepened as they enjoyed countless performances, forging friendships with many talented artists who became like family.
In recognition of his dedication to keeping music alive, Herb was honored on January 13, 2024, with a plaque from the West Valley Music Association Hall of Fame.
Herb leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and community. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Herb is survived by three of his children: Brenda (Patrick) Looper, Sheri (Darren) Summers, and Alan (Jewel) Graham and his sister Janie Bland. He was also blessed with six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary, son Stephen, three brothers George A., Dave, and Keith Graham, and two sisters Virginia Hartman and Dorothy Burkett.
Memorial services in Arizona and Illinois will be held in his honor, celebrating a life well-lived and the joy he brought to those around him.
Arizona services will be held from 9:30 to 1pm, Friday, July 26 at Thompson Funeral Chapel.
A visitation will be held in Illinois from 4 to 7pm, Thursday, August 1. A funeral service will begin at 10:30am, Friday, August 2. Both will be held at Airsman Hires Funeral Home in Carrollton, Illinois. Burial will follow at Eldred Memorial Cemetery immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Shriner’s Hospitals.
