Gary Wayne Graham

Gary Wayne Graham was born to John and Janette Graham on October 12th, 1949, in Muscatine Iowa. He graduated from Muscatine High school at the age of 17 and attended community college for a year before deciding that classroom learning wasn’t for him. Instead, he chose to serve his country and joined the United States Marine Corps, serving in Vietnam.

Upon his safe return home, Gary pursued higher education at The University of Iowa, where he became a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and earned a degree in Business in 1973. After graduation, he worked in Iowa before finding new opportunities in Beatrice Nebraska. A skilled pilot and adventurer, Gary owned his own plane and enjoyed flying across the United States.

In 1978, Gary met his first wife, Barbara and her two sons, Jacob and Daniel. They married in 1979, and in 1987, Gary legally adopted both boys, giving them his last name. In 1983, Gary sought a career into the financial industry with Edward D Jones and relocated the family to Yukon Oklahoma. Over the years, he worked with several firms, including Dean Witter Reynolds, E F Hutton, Shearson Leham Brothers, AG Edwards, Phillips Securities, Williams Financial Group, and Berthel Financial Services, before founding his own business Graham and Associates, LLC in 1999.

Gary was deeply involved in the Yukon community. He served on the Yukon Economic Development Committee, where he played a role in renaming the city’s main thoroughfare to Garth Brooks Boulevard and adding Garth Brooks’ name to the iconic water tower. He also served on the Yukon School Board and eventually as its President.

In 1993, Gary and Barbara divorced. In 1996, he married Jean Levann, gaining a stepdaughter, Jennifer. Gary and Jean spent their time together traveling the world. Gary found great purpose in his work with the Masonic community. He became a Master Mason of the Siloam Lodge, a member of the Scottish Rite and a Shriner with the India Temple. His dedication and leadership led him to serve as Potentate of the India Shrine Temple in 2006, with Jean as First Lady by his side. Their roles in the Shrine allowed him and Jean to travel the country as representatives and ambassadors for the organization. Gary loved traveling and loved it more with Jean by his side exploring the world together.

Gary was also very passionate about firearms, serving on the National Rifle Association’s national board and collecting guns as a hobby. Though, never a hunter, he found enjoyment in the precision and craftsmanship of shooting. Gary was known to his family as a collector of many things from firearms to watches, art and knives. Halloween was Gary’s favorite holiday, and he took great joy in going all out with decorations that turned his home into a neighborhood favorite each year. This is a holiday that his children and grandchildren got to share with him.

Those who knew Gary will remember him as strong-willed, driven and stubborn. He believed in surrounding himself with excellence- “If you want to be the best, you need to be seen with the best.” He admired the military and law enforcement and generously supported their causes, though he rarely spoke of his own service.

Gary is survived by his spouse, Jean Graham; two sons, Jacob (Jill) Graham, and Daniel (Heather) Graham; and his stepdaughter, Jennifer (Cory) Fitzpatrick. He also leaves behind his grandchildren- Jacob (Morgan), Kaleb, Taylor, Luke, Haley, Cooper and Conner-and one great-granddaughter, Kenna.