Tommy Edwin Graham
August 1, 1933 – May 3, 2024
Son of Oscar Lee Graham and Ina Shelton Graham. Lifelong member of Britton Lodge 434 AF & AM, passed in peace at the age of 90. Preceded in death by his wife, Celinda (Cindy). Loving father of Bryan Graham, Darren Graham, and Amy Graham. Proud grandfather of Geoffrey, Samantha, Tommy, Matthew, Edward (EJ), and Annabell. Brother of Leroy (deceased), Wanda (deceased), Bobby (deceased), and Jack Graham. Tommy will be fondly remembered by family and friends as a loving father, distinguished award winning, Chemical Engineer, proud patriot, and US Army veteran.
Tommy loved to share stories of life on a dairy farm in rural Oklahoma in his youth. Attending Oklahoma State University and obtaining his Masters in chemical engineering, he completed his ROTC obligation in the US Army as a 2nd lieutenant before starting a lifelong career with Monsanto focusing primarily in the petro-chemical field. Possessing many patents in his name, he was well established in his field. Going shopping with our father for anything that involved synthetic rubber (tires), or any type of PVC (plumbing) became an educational field trip for all involved. We all learned the value of understanding the reason why things are made of the materials they are.
Tommy enjoyed the outdoors and taught his kids how to fish and hunt and enjoy the beauty of nature. Not confined in his thoughts to the rigid structure of science, he appreciated the fluidity of Art and was supportive of his daughter Amy’s desires to pursue an art career and would further encourage his granddaughter Samantha to follow art by taking her on day trips to various art installations around the city of Saint Louis. His grandson Matthew is currently a chemistry major at the University of Missouri Columbia.
Private family services will be held in his home state of Oklahoma.
He was the last of my siblings. Rest in pace dear brother.