Howard Raymond Graham, 88, passed away on September 8, 2016, at Linden Court in North Platte, NE. Howard was born in Meadville, NE, on March 1, 1928. He was the son of Ray J. and Nellie 'Gertrude' (Eckley) Graham. He attended grade school in Keya Paha County and graduated from Springview High School in 1946. He married Doris (Jefferis), and four children were born to this union. Howard was a jack-of-all trades working numerous jobs over the years. He started Graham Trucking when he became a grain dealer. His son, Garry, and grandson, J.W., later joined the business. He traveled thousands of miles across the United States hauling grain, candy, cattle, hogs, and more. He loved buying good heavy corn and grain from local farmers because it was such good quality.

When Howard wasn't on the road, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, music and playing the guitar. He also loved sports, most notably wrestling and baseball. He rarely missed being in attendance to his kids' and grandkids' sporting events including wrestling, basketball, football, volleyball, track, and rodeo. Most mornings, Howard could be found having his morning coffee at the local diner sharing fishing tales and discussing corn prices. He didn't know a stranger! He always enjoyed family get-togethers, playing cards during the holidays, and never passed up an opportunity for a boat ride at the lake or a float trip down the Niobrara River. Howard was baptized into the Seventh Day Adventist Church, and his faith and beliefs were important to him.
Howard is lovingly remembered by his wife Doris Graham of Valentine, NE, and children, Carolyn (Terry) Belville of Valentine, NE, Garry (Sherrie) Graham of Valentine, NE, Cathy (Monte) Frauen of Springview, NE, and Doug (Twyla) Graham of Valentine, NE; eight grandchildren, Pam (Jeff) Hicks of North Platte, NE, J.W. (Sarah) Graham of Valentine, NE, Wendy Graham of Pierre, SD, Robyn Reece of Curtis, NE, Carl (Melissa) Frauen of Springview, NE, Jeni (Jon) Cox of Durango, CO, Zeb (Lanell) Graham of Valentine, NE, Angelina (Greg) Wright of Halsey, NE; and twelve great grandchildren (Brent, Jessica, Tucker, Pake, Parker, Pryce, Kenneth, Brycen, Riley, Dalton, Kwynn and Harper); five nephews (Dewey, Kenny, Mick, Dennis, and John Neil); cousin Connie Eckley and sister-in-law Wanda Graham.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Ray J. and Nellie Gertrude (Eckley) Graham, his brother John Graham, brother-in-law Don Jefferis and sister-in-law Louise Jefferis.

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