Wayne Eugene Graham, son of Earl William and Hattie Eleanor (Douthit) Graham was born on February 25, 1928 in Shenandoah, Iowa. He passed away on Friday, March 20, 2015 at his home in Shenandoah, at the age of 87.

Growing up in Shenandoah, Wayne attended the Shenandoah Community Schools, graduating from Shenandoah High School with the Class of 1945. Wayne excelled in track while at SHS and made it to state in the 800 meters. Following high school, Wayne attended Central College in Pella, Iowa.

Not long after, Wayne was called into service by the U S Army towards the end of WW II. He served from August 1946 through December 1946 in post occupied Japan.

On October 29, 1957, Wayne was united in marriage to the love of his life, Marlene Ann Connell, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shenandoah. They made their home in Shenandoah where they raised their four children, James, Kim, Tim and Jenelle.

Over the years, Wayne worked at Central Surveys and Henry Fields Nursery in Shenandoah. For a period of time, Wayne was a baker at a bakery in Columbia City, Indiana before returning to Shenandoah where he was employed with Eaton Corporation. He worked at Eaton's until retiring in 1992.

Wayne was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and the AMVETS. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports through the years. He also enjoyed watching professional sports and restoring antiques.

Preceding Wayne in death were his parents; two brothers, Harold and Robert Graham; sister, Gertrude (Graham) Carlson; brother-in-law, Darril Carlson; sister-in-law, Vance Graham; and grandson, Timothy Graham.

Survivors include his loving wife of over 57 years, Marlene of the home; four children, James Graham and wife Cathy of Fayetteville, AR, Kim Walker and husband Clay of Essex, Tim Graham of Shenandoah, and Jenelle Smith and husband Lonnie, Sr, of Fayetteville, AR; 10 grandchildren, John Walker and wife Alicia, Stephanie Robinette and husband Caleb, Monika Carroll and husband Todd, Rick Graham, Kyle Graham, Kaillena Smith, Lonnie Smith, Jr, Grace Graham and William Graham; seven great grandchildren, Jacob, Caden and Kinsley Robinette, Presley and Hudson Walker, and Aidan and Simon Carroll; other relatives and many friends.

Memorials in lieu of flowers, may be directed to either the Shenandoah Food Pantry or People For Paws in Wayne's name.

Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah.