Fred Graham

CATRON, Mo. — Fred William Graham was a gentleman – kind, considerate, devoted to his mom, protective of his sisters and tried to always look out for his brothers. He doted on his nieces and nephews and the kids of his friends – all kids were special to him!

But the true love of his life was his daughter, Michelle – Shelly or sometimes Sugar Booger. He thought she hung the moon. He was so proud of her but never more so than when she brought home her daughter, Ariel – his first granddaughter.

Fred was born June 1, 1946 in Sikeston, Missouri, to the late William Harvey Graham and Viola Gilmore Graham. He left this life for the next chapter on Sept. 27, 2024, at his home in Charter Oak, after a brief illness.

On April 27, 1979, he wed Barbara Byerly Graham, who survives of the home.

He is also survived by his daughter, Michelle (Jim) Gattinger of Tullahoma, Tennessee; granddaughters, Ariel (Cyres) Mathy, Madyson Gattinger and great-granddaughter, Adrianna Ayala; his brothers, Harvey (Jeanette) Graham of New Madrid, Missouri, Tom (Joyce) Graham of Kewanee, Missouri, Larry Graham of Matthews, Missouri, David (Lisa) Graham of Kewanee, Missouri, Harold Wayne (Melinda) Graham of New Madrid; sisters, Barbara Porter of Giltner, Nebraska, and Diane (Jim) Critchlow of Dexter, Missouri and Debbie Kaye McWaters of Willard, Missouri; sisters-in-law, Carol Graham of Catron, Shirley Byerly of Flomaton, Alabama, Janet Tyner of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Joane Holly of Jackson, Missouri, and Camilla Byerly of Chaffee, Missouri; and all those special nieces, nephews and the next generation of great nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ronnie Graham; and nephews, Blake Byerly and Glen Graham.

Fred grew up in Matthews – never strayed far and made his living off the land farming. He did custom cotton picking and customer fertilizing. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and being outdoors in general. He raised a huge garden to share with family and friends. He also raised flowers for Barbara.

A celebration of Fred’s Life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Crowe Methodist Church at State Road V, Matthews. All family and friends are invited to come and share a meal and memories.

McMikle Funeral Home of Sikeston is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.