George Graham Jr.

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- George F. Graham Jr., 93, of Perryville passed away Monday, Jan. 10, 2022, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Jan. 25, 1928, in Mannington, West Virginia, to George F. and Helen C. Rymer Graham Sr. He and Ruth E. McColloch Graham were married Nov. 24, 1955. She survives in Perryville.

George had a long career as a district forester with the Missouri Department of Conservation. He was very proud of having fought forest fires nine times in Western states as well as in Missouri. He ran several miles a week to keep in shape to be able to fight fires.

He enjoyed numerous hobbies, including reading, carving, oil painting, wood working, backpacking, model railroading, cultivating a rose garden, traveling and playing bridge. He was very active in the United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday school and serving in various church offices. He also helped build the new church building in Perryville, and he built an outdoor classroom and trail at Perryville public schools. George was a Boy Scout leader and served on the Perry County mental health board. He was well known for his sense of humor. He loved God, and he loved his family.

He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War.

Survivors include two daughters, Jane (Terry) Edwards of Perryville and Amy Henry of Arnold, Missouri; son, Mark (Elise) Graham of Jackson; nine grandchildren, Jacob (Stephanie) Edwards, Paul Edwards, Leah Edwards, Luke Edwards, Joshua (Monica) Henry, Nathan (Alison Huskins) Henry, Kathleen (Drew) Curtis, Andrew (Rebecca) Graham and Peter Graham; and three great-grandchildren, Liam Henry, Lilynn Henry and Madelyn Graham.

George was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Tom Graham; and sister, Harriett McCurdy.

The family encourages a face-covering be worn to all services.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday at United Methodist Church in Perryville.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church, with the Rev. Kevin Barron officiating. Burial will be at Home Cemetery in Perryville.

Memorial contributions may be given to Perryville United Methodist Church or the Boy Scouts of America.

Ford and Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com.