Wilbur l. Graham

Biography:  Wilbur L. Graham went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday February 28, 2018 after fighting a courageous battle of esophageal cancer.  Wilbur was born May 12, 1935 in Bucyrus to the late David E. and LuEtter (Holland) Graham being the youngest of five children.  He married Carol Ann (Wilson) Graham on June 23, 1956 and she preceded him in death on Nov. 5, 2015. They enjoyed 59 years of marriage together.  He was also preceded in death by sisters and their husbands, Ruth (Don) Miller; Gertrude (Paul) Bechtel; and brother Charles Graham; brother and sister in laws Kay Graham, John Seele, Martha Wilson, Lewis (Mildred) Wilson, Uree (Bill) Arnold, Gerald (Lois) Wilson, and Mack (Alice) Wilson.





 










Wilbur is survived by children Kevin (Linda) Graham of Pratville, AL and Kim (Matt) Rudd of Bucyrus; His pride and joy, his grandchildren, Sara Wheeler, Columbus; Daniel Graham and Brendan Graham both of St. Louis, MO; Sierra Graham of Pratville, AL; and Emily Rudd of Bucyrus; brother David V. Graham; sister in law Joyce Graham; brother and sister in law Don (Norma) Wilson all of Bucyrus and sister and brother in law Jean (Elvin) Fisher of Pataskala, OH; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
Wilbur was born a fighter as a preemie baby weighing 2 lbs. 4 oz. and using the first incubator at Bucyrus Community Hospital for his first 69 days.  He went home at 1 lb. 9 oz. to beat all odds.  Wilbur graduated from Bucyrus High School and lived his entire life in the community.  He worked for the Swan Rubber Co. for 41 years retiring in 1998.  In retirement he and Carol enjoyed being vendors at Dutch Country Flea market in the Amish Country.  He enjoyed the Amish Country and its people.  Wilbur was a member of the Bucyrus U.M. Church and served in the Ohio National Guard for 9 years.
Wilbur never met a stranger and would strike up a conversation with anyone, especially to discuss sports.  He enjoyed spending time with the “Hardees Bunch” and was a avid sports fan, especially baseball.  Wilbur coached many years in Bucyrus with the Minor League, Little League, and Babe Ruth Leagues.  He had a positive and encouraging teaching approach.  He loved the Cleveland Indians and his first game in person was watching Larry Doby with his last being the season closer this past year with many games in between.
Wilbur’s recent illness brought him close to many “special” care providers.  He was told by many of them how he was their favorite and they admired his positive attitude.  He remained upbeat and kind, never complaining of the situation, saying “It’s in God’s Hands”.  His kind contagious personality showed, as he received many visitors daily through his illness.
Memorial Services will be held on Monday March 5,  at 11:00 am in the Bucyrus United Methodist Church with Rev. Mike Corwin and Rev. Matt Garrabrand officiating, burial will be in Crawford County Memory Gardens.  The family will receive friends on Sunday March 4 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm in the Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home.  Memorials may be made to the Bucyrus Little League or Home Care Matters and expressions of sympathy can be left at www.munzpirnstill.com