Donald L. Graham

Don served in the Army during the Korean War. His service began on the front lines where he earned the Bronze Star and was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge that is given to soldiers who face the greatest risk of being wounded or killed under fire. During the war, he interviewed numerous performers, including Marilyn Monroe, who was there to entertain the troops with the USO. He will be remembered for his world-wide broadcast of the cease fire where he announced the end of the war from the front line.

A graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago and Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, Don’s career began as a news broadcaster where he announced with over 11 radio stations throughout the United States including WOWO in Fort Wayne, Indiana and at WCFL in Chicago, Illinois where he was the news director. He then became a booking agent and worked with performers such as Tony Bennett and David Steinberg. Don created and managed his own Gaslight Roaring 20’s Road Shows which performed throughout the United States and Canada for over 20 years.

During his career in Chicago, Don met his wife, Judy Daily, a recent graduate of Northwestern University. They married and were blessed with the birth of two wonderful daughters. The family moved to Orlando in 1980 where he began his career in commercial real estate. He later retired in 1993 as a Vice President of CB Commercial.

Don enjoyed spending time with his family, working in his rose garden, bird watching, cooking and music.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Judy, of 47 years; his daughters, Noelle Queen and Stacy Murray; his sons-in-law, Bill Queen and Mike Murray; and his grandchildren, Will Queen (17), Ansley Queen (15), Henry Queen (12), Graham Murray (8) and Madison Murray (5).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 28, 2013 at the Winter Park Presbyterian Church at 11:00 a.m. The family will greet friends immediately afterward in the church’s fellowship hall. Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association.