David Lynn Graham, 68, of Leoti, KS, formerly of Norton, passed away
August 24, 2021 at the Wichita County Health Center in Leoti. He was
born June 3, 1953 in Portsmouth, VA to Robert Neil and Janet (Rife)
Graham.
David grew up in Aurora, CO and was a 1971 graduate of William C.
Hinkley High School. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in
accounting from the University of Colorado in Boulder, where he was a
member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. After graduation he took his CPA
test and passed the first time, which is an outstanding accomplishment.
David began working with the IRS in Huron, SD and then was transferred
to Rochester, MN but decided he wanted to be closer to family, so he
moved back to Colorado.
While he was in Colorado working for an oil and gas company, he met
his first wife Cynthia Miller and to that union their son, Tom, was
born. In 1988, David decided to move his family to Norton for a job
opportunity at Mapes and Miller. He eventually took a job with Nex-Tech
where he was the Revenue Administrator and he retired after almost 25
years.
In 1994, two families were made whole with the marriage of David and Debbie Bailey.
David, an avid CU Buffalo fan, enjoyed playing family cards games,
he especially had a passion for Bridge and enjoyed competing against
Debbie in a game of gin rummy. He also enjoyed reading and was an avid
history buff, he always had random facts to share and was never without a
quick comeback or joke. His love of gardening was apparent but only
when it came to planting one. Most of all, David loved spending time
with his grandkids and dogs.
David was preceded in death by his mother, Janet Graham; brother,
Tom Graham, and sister, Susan Ruttell. He is survived by his wife,
Debbie of the home; father, Robert Neil (Penny) Graham of Lakewood, CO;
sons: Tom Graham of Hays, KS, Brent Brooks of Colby, KS, and Marc Brooks
of WaKeeney, KS; daughter, Kayleigh (Craig) Berning of Leoti, KS;
grandchildren: Ryker Graham, Kellen, Cameron, Payton, Parker, Porter,
Paisley, and Preston Brooks and Collin Berning; sisters, Sally (Mike)
Garcia of Lakewood, CO and Sandy (Greg) Brenner of Lodgepole, NE and
many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 28, 2021 at
10:30 am at the First Church of God in Norton. Burial will be held at
1:30 pm Saturday at the Jennings Cemetery. Visitation will be from
3-7:00 Friday, August 27 at the funeral home with family greeting
friends from 5-7:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Norton
Public Library or Wichita County Library and may be sent in care of
Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654