Jerry W. Graham

Jerry William Graham, 65, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully February 11, 2024, after a long battle with cancer at McPherson Hospital with his wife, Kay, by his side.

He was born September 5, 1958, in Waukesha, WI, the son of James and Donna (Nikkel) Graham.  The family moved to McPherson when Jerry was six years old.

Jerry graduated from McPherson High School in 1977.   On November 13, 1982, Jerry was united in marriage to Kay Ann (Cooper) at the Trinity Lutheran Church in McPherson.

Jerry was a member of Sons of American Legion Squadron #24, ABATE, and American Legion Riders.

He was an awesome welder and worked several places in McPherson including PEM and Midwest Industries.

Jerry loved riding his motorcycle up until a stroke in 2017 forced him to sell his bike.  He and Kay would love riding the countryside just to enjoy the outdoors and each other. They enjoyed taking many vacations and some of their favorite places to go were Colorado, Oklahoma, and occasionally Las Vegas.  Their last trip was very special, a weekend in November to Wichita to celebrate their 41^st wedding anniversary.  He enjoyed many special fishing trips with Kay’s dad and grandpa and also many card games with his dad, mom, and brothers. He loved just hanging out with friends at Perry Lake on Labor Day weekend or just in the garage having a few cold ones.

Jerry was an avid Raiders fan.  It was a fun time in the home, considering Kay was a Chiefs fan. Recently, he was joking about how the Chiefs were playing on his turf for the Super Bowl. This year, he said he wasn’t going to watch it and, as it just happened, he didn’t get to.

His family was very special to him. Jerry was very patriotic and always had the American flag flying. He and Kay were co-founders of the Motorcycle Awareness here in McPherson.   He painted many billboards to display.

Survivors include: his loving wife of 41 years, Kay; his mother, Donna Graham of McPherson, KS; brothers, James Graham (Carol) of Warrensburg, MO and Scott Graham (Karen) of Lindsborg, KS; sister-in-law, Patti Cooper of McPherson, KS; nephews, Jeremy Graham, Wade Graham (Amanda), Seth Graham (Jordyn), Scott Graham (Audra), Tyler Graham (Sarah), and Alex Graham (Lindsey); several great-nephews and great-nieces; and many other family members & many, many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Graham and parents-in-law, Bob & Vila Cooper; and several other family members.

He will be missed dearly.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Friday, February 16, 2024, at Stockham Family Funeral Home.  The memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, February 17, at Stockham Family Funeral Home with Dave Cahoone officiating. Burial will follow at McPherson Cemetery.  The family asks that all attendees dress in casual attire.  To view a live stream broadcast of the service please  CLICK HERE

Memorial donations can be made to Abate District 9 for motorcycle awareness or American Legion Riders Post #24 (McPherson) in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.