Jesse D. Graham Jr.

Jesse D. Graham passed away peacefully December 23, 2013. He lived a long and happy life.
Jesse was born on May 18, 1923, the cherished son of Jesse D. Graham, Sr. and Emma Jane Masten Graham.
Jesse was a World War II Veteran – he proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946.

He met and married Doris Emma Peters on January 18, 1947. They were happily blessed with three daughters.

Jesse worked for the Fairbury City Light & Water Plant from March 1946 to June 1977. He retired to purchase Gaughenbaugh's Store . After some time, he changed the name of the store to Jesse D. Graham's Paint and Wallpaper Store, and thrived as a very successful businessman. He was a member of the Fairbury Chamber of Commerce, the Elks Club and the American Legion.

One of Jesse’s passions was his love for Harley Davidson motorcycles. He fulfilled his dream of riding his Harley to the Grand Canyon in the summer of 1969.
When he wasn't working, Jesse enjoyed building and fixing things. He purchased and remodeled homes as a hobby. He loved gardening, flowers and sunshine.

Jesse is survived by Doris E. Graham, his three daughters: Beverly Jo and husband Joseph Thomas Nitti , Jessie Jane Javorsky, and Kathleen Marie Graham. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Yvette Maureen Nitti, Michael Anthony Nitti, Jeffrey Ryan Javorsky and wife Brandi Javorsky, and Douglas Edward Graham and wife Natasha Ann Graham, and five great grandchildren: Chandler Michael Gaspar, Penelope Lane Lee Nitti, Bentley Ryan Javorsky, Zoie Sophia Graham, Makenzi Leigh Graham, and Jett Douglas Graham.

Jesse’s legacy will always be his warm smile and sense of humor, his great love for his children, his hard working spirit, and never-ending kindness.

Dad---Rest in peace. Your strength, love and spirit will be remembered and cherished forever. You will always be in our hearts.

Services will be Friday, December 27, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Fairbury, Ne., with Pastor Lana Likens officiating. The family will greet friends on Thursday, December 26, 2013 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home.