Charles Joseph Graham's Obituary
Charles Joseph Graham of Punta Gorda, FL passed away Nov. 26, 2015 at the age of 96. He was born Oct. 3, 1919 to Charles Wesley & Bessie Mae (Harden) Graham. He is survived by his devoted wife Betty Ann of 70 years.. Two sons, Robert W & wife, Pauline and Gary A & wife Gay all of Port Charlotte, FL. Grandsons: James (Gretchen), Kyle (Dana), Anthony (Kelly), Brian (Christina). Granddaughters: Carrie (Brian) Shelton & Candice (Darrell) Egle. Great-Grand sons: Kameron, Dylan, Ty, Brooks, Drew, Timothy & Jacob Graham. Cody & Chance Shelton & Jackson Egle. Great-Granddaughters: Whitney, Felicity, Selena Shelton, Alyssa & Kylee Graham, Jamie Mahaffey & Cassidy & Ella Egle. Brother-in Law, Joseph Barnes of Decatur, IL and sister-in-law Fumiko of Bellview, WA and numerous nieces and nephews.The Family is requesting in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum, P O Box 1992, Savannah, GA 31402.Charles graduated with a BS degree in Business Administation from Millikin University in Decatur, IL .Charles was an official with Wabash, Ann Arbor and Norfolk Western Railroads for 40 years. He was with the 445th HB 702 Squadron flying as a Radio Operator on a B-24 out of Norwich, England during WWII. He was shot down on his 24th mission over Kassel, Germany and was a Prisoner of War for 8 months in Stalagluft IV and survived the 700 mile, 96 day forced march starting Feb 6, 1945 before being liberated by Gen. Montgomery’s 2nd Rangoon Div. on May 1945.Charter Affiliations: Tau Kappa Fraternity Beta Chapter, Decatur, IL Southwest Fl Ex-Pow Chapter # 100 – Fort Myers, FL & life member of Prince Edward Co. # 28. Life Member of VFW Post 7166 of South Hill, VA American Legion Post 0079 of South Hill, VA Moose Lodge # 1872 of South Hill, VA & Lodge #1899 of Fort Myers, FL Life Member of Stephen Decatur Masonic Lodge, Decatur, ILThe Fort Myers Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Interment will be at Graceland /Fairlawn in Decatur, IL.Condolences may be left to the family at www.fortmyersmemorial.com.
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