Obituary
Following a fearless battle with cancer, it is with great sadness, the family of Danny Graham announce his passing on April 3, 2023. He passed peacefully in his sleep during the night. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Margie; daughter, Lisa (Bradley) Spencer; four grandchildren, Macie (Tommy) DeClue, Morgan Spencer, Noah Spencer, and and Claire Spencer; brother Larry (Dorothy) Graham; sister Rebecca Townsend; Sister-In-Law Martha (Rayford) Raby; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his loving daughter, Laura Graham; sister, Rose Graham; and his parents, Warren and Hazel Graham of Wood River, IL
Danny was born September 24, 1949 in Wood River, IL and graduated from Wood River High School in 1967. Afterward he proudly served in the USMC as a Marine in the Vietnam War. He also worked many years and retired from The Alton Box Board. He became a father and loved spending time with his daughters, doing things like taking them for ice cream in his antique cars. He later became a grandfather and was thereafter known as PawPaw to his four grandchildren, as well as their friends. He stepped into the role of PawPaw with great pride and always made sure to tell each grandchild “they were his favorite” which is an ongoing debate. He met and married the love of his life, the former Margie Phelps. They were inseparable after their marriage in 1996 and eventually moved to Sarasota, FL. Danny often said he was “living the dream” after becoming a Floridian. He loved riding his bicycle and promised he would be upgrading soon to a Harley in Heaven. He was always happy to lend a helping hand to anyone needing it and had the ability to make a friend everywhere he went. He loved sharing stories and making people laugh. He will be sadly missed on Earth and well accepted in heaven.
A Celebration of Life, open to all friends and family, will be held Wednesday, April 12, 200 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Baldwin Brothers located at 4609 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, FL
Burial with full military honors with be Thursday, April 13 at 10:30 a.m. at the Sarasota National Cemetery at 9810 SR-72, Sarasota, FL and is open to all.
Memorial Donations may be made in Danny’s name to Hospice House in Sarasota, FL
about a Dr and she keeps thinking he is saying someone is adopted! That one is my favorite! Danny never knew a stranger and lit up the room when he walked in. Heaven just got more fun for everyone! I know he is sitting by Grandma. He always took such good care of her and of everyone in the family! There wasn’t a thing he wouldn’t do to help others. We will miss you Danny, you were taken way too soon!
the bright star in our neighborhood. You were happy all the time and that happiness proved to be contagious to all of us.
around the pool many a Sunday. And how lucky the angels will be when you arrive. There will be no pain, no hurt as
you enter the kingdom of heaven! Semper FI, Marine! RIP
gentleman. He made Willowbend friendly and welcoming! Danny, You will not be forgotten. Now that you are Home, there is no sadness, no pain, no sorrow. God is taking care of you now...you are in the shelter of his arms; the angels are singing welcoming you.
RIP, my friend.
Danny was a wonderful guy who loved life, his family and friends. His spirit will live on in all the memories made with him. I enjoyed visiting with Margie and Danny on my annual Casa Mar vacation. Great stories and lots of laughs from Danny! Prayers, peace, love and comfort to all.
Linda Garmon
Margie and the rest of your family should know how proud you are of them and how often and lovingly you spoke of them.
I love you man…. Mike V.
The man with his bike and new lights Hope you get a Harley in Heaven ️
Life is short! Surround yourself with caring, loving people who light up the room, make you laugh, take your functional training classes to stay strong, who always live their best life. To the best neighbor I will miss you sitting in the driveway in the morning drinking coffee and telling me how it’s going to be the best day PEACE ALWAYS
We liked him from the very first. Danny was refreshingly direct, and could gab on just about any subject of interest. He loved his family and his country, and was rightfully proud of his service as a Marine, as well as his roots in and around Alton, Illinois. His smile and ”can do” attitude will be missed not only by Margie and family, but also by many friends and neighbors. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Margie and all family.
Ed & Jean Smith
Sundays at the pool with Danny were always the highlight of the week. Danny you will be missed. Thanks for all the laughs and chats.
We are so sorry to hear of Danny’s passing. He was a wonderful, fun-loving man and we enjoyed getting to know him and Margie at Casa Mar! Our prayers for your peace and comfort during this most difficult time. Sending love from Doug & Sindy
My happy and tan husband!
My happy husband I love you so much!