John D. Graham

John D. Graham 85, Bradenton, Florida, formerly of Indianapolis, IN died November 25, 2011. He was born in Franklin, IN on March 4, 1926 to Joseph J. and Grace T. (McNair) Graham. He married Shirley Jeanne Walker of Indianapolis on November 14, 1953. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944 and served in the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign until the end of World War II. He retired in 1982 from Stout Field, Indianapolis, Indiana where he served as a full time Army National Guard technician for 32 years. He retired as a First Sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Indiana Army National Guard, in 1986. In 1974 he had the honor of being with the only Reserve Unit in the United States to be trained by the 3rd U.S. Infantry, "The Old Guard," in Arlington Cemetery, Fort Myer, Virginia, and to become the first Military Department of Indiana Ceremonial Unit. He served a total of 37 years in the military service. After retirement he retired with his wife to Florida's Longboat Key/Bradenton area. He liked working with his hands - tiling, painting, woodworking and making things for the children. He loved his NASCAR and NFL football. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; two daughters, Sandra L. Faulkner of Bradenton, FL and Teresa L. (James) Svenstrup of Colleyville, TX; a son, Daniel J. Graham of Bradenton, FL; six grandchildren, Jeffrey W. (Susan) Faulkner, James K. Faulkner, Paige M. Hughes, Mary V. (Albinas) Prizgintas, James E. Svenstrup III, Shelby D. Graham; and six great-grandchildren, Jacob, Jonathan, Jared, Hannah, Jadon and Eden Mae. He is also survived by one sister, Alice Jean Pearson of Las Vegas, NV and one brother, Byron E. (Doris) Graham, of Franklin, IN; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Cremation was his request. Services will be held at Flanner and Buchanan - Washington Park North Cemetery , 2706 Kessler Boulevard W Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46228 on Friday, June 22nd at 2:00PM with visitation starting at 1:00 PM. Inurnment will be in Washington Park North Cemetery. Following the services, friends and family will meet in the Family Center's Jazz Room located at the cemetery. In lieu of floral arrangements, memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana National Guard Relief Fund, Building No. 4, 2002 S. Holt Road, Indianapolis, IN 46241. Online condolences may be shared at http://www.flannerbuchanan.com.