John Van Graham's Obituary
John Van Graham passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, June 7, 2015 at the age of 88. Beloved husband by first marriage to the late Estelle Cummings Graham and by second marriage to Margaret Patricia “Pat” Graham. Loving father of Stephen Carleton Graham. Step-father of Lovick “Vick” Thomas and Patricia Ann McNeal. Son of the late Alphia Taylor Graham and Van Graham. Brother of Patricia Graham Thompson, James Graham and William “Skip” Graham. Grandfather of Jennifer McNeal and Margaret McNeal. Also survived by nieces and nephews; longtime close friends Tom Brown of La Jolla, Ca. and J. R. Simms of Fulton, Md., both from OU class of l950, and Bill Dietrich, Mandeville, La.
John enlisted in the Navy after his high school graduation at 17 and served from 1944 to 1946. John attended OU and graduated as a Petroleum Engineer in 1950 working in West Texas, New Mexico and Kansas. He took an assignment with Gulf Oil Corporation and worked in Nigeria and Denmark and was transferred to New Orleans where he retired in 1986 with Chevron. After retirement, he moved to Mandeville where he volunteered at the Samaritan Center for 10 years and also drove Meals on Wheels in Madisonville. He was a charter member of Franco's Athletic Club and enjoyed racquetball until his late 70's. John was a devout Christian and enjoyed being at church on Sunday. He was a Mason and joined the Cowboy Lodge in New Mexico where, according to history, their meetings were held on a full moon so the cowboys could ride in to the meetings by the light of the moon. John received his 50 year membership pin as a Mason in 2014.
The family would like to express thanks to the loving support and care received by the staff and residents of The Windsor and the many friends who were with him during the last days.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the memorial service on Saturday, June 27, 2015 at St. Timothy United Methodist Church, 335 Asbury Dr., Mandeville, LA 70448. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am with the service starting at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in memory of Mr. Graham to be made to St. Timothy United Methodist Church or Community Hospice,1007 W. Thomas St., Ste. A, Hammond, La.70403. Please sign the online Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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