Douglas E. Graham

Douglas E. Graham, 68, of Tiffin, passed away Sunday, July 15, 2018, at Bridge Hospice, Findlay, surrounded by family. He was born Dec. 18, 1949, in Eckman, West Virginia, to William and Violet Graham. He was a momma's boy, sending her flowers every year on his birthday. Doug moved to Ohio in 1968 for work. To hear him tell the story, he was hunting rabbits and tracked one in the snow all the way to Tiffin. Once the snow melted he couldn't find his way home so he stayed. He met the love of his life, Vickie (Payne) Graham by happenstance. They both were at Shake Shak June 2, 1973, and she looked like the girl down the street so he went to talk to her. They were inseparable ever since then, getting married May 10, 1975, celebrating 43 years this year. Even in his declining health, they went back every June 2 to the Shake Shak to celebrate their "anniversary." She survives in Tiffin. Also surviving is a son, Jed, who he thought the sun rose and set with and couldn't be more proud to call him his son; his favorite daughter-in-law, Ann, who let him "borrow her truck;" two stepgranddaughters, Lydia, who he texted Good Morning every day, and Elena who was his "half pint;" a daughter, Jenny, who would always get up at midnight when he got home from work to go look at the moon down by the pond; and a grandson, Luke, who was his working buddy/porch swing buddy/partner in crime/his everything, all of Tiffin. Doug also is survived by three sisters, Shirley Palmer (who he always thought of as his second mom) and Phylliss Kosa, both of Princeton, West Virginia, and Joan Fontenot of Oakdale, Louisiana; two special nephews, Bill Graham of Fort Seneca and Allen Palmer of Princeton, West Virginia; and a whole slew of family as he was a hillbilly! He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, William, Donald and Dennis; and two sisters, Judy and Debra. Doug was a journeyman millwright and worked for Basic, Bettsville, for 14 years; Excel Wire and Cable, Tiffin, for nine years before finally retiring from Cooper Tire and Rubber, Findlay, after 20 years. He always said he sold his soul when he went to Cooper but that was a testament to who he was. Doug worked hard so he could raise his family how he wanted and they are forever grateful for his sacrifice. Throughout the last few years, Doug struggled with CHF and liver and kidney issues. He rarely complained of pain and, through it all, was a fighter. He will forever be missed by everyone who loved him. So, on a good, clear night, look at the moon and know he's looking over you. He loved everyone but more importantly, he was deeply loved. There will be no visitation as Doug's wishes were to be cremated and returned to West Virginia, back to the hills that he loved so much. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Home Away From Home on the campus of Mercy Health – St. Vincent Hospital, 2213 Cherry St., Toledo, OH 43608 (for always providing a room for Vickie to be able to be at Doug's side, no matter the time of day) or Bridge Hospice, 1900 S. Main St., Findlay, OH 45840 (for providing excellent, compassionate care for Doug's last few days). Engle-Shook Funeral Home & Crematory, Tiffin, is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.engleshookfuneralhome.com.