Leeford Eugene Graham

GRAHAM, Leeford Eugene, age 80, of Kettering, went home to be with the Lord Monday, October 1, 2007 at Heartland of Centerville, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Louvele Graham; brothers, Fred, Ronald, Eldon, and Norman Graham. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Genevieve; daughters, and sons-in-law, Becky and Henry Bussey of Bellbrook, Debbie and Mike Arnett of Kettering, Karla and John Marlatt of Xenia, Cathy and Dave Sharpe of Kettering, Karen and Phil Stubblefield of Centerville, and Kim and Mike Perdue of Miamisburg; grandchildren, Jenny (Brian) Dukes, Nicole (Dustin) Koenig, Andy Sharpe, Bryan Sharpe, and Amanda Stubblefield; great grandchildren, Nate Dukes and Nova Koenig; brother, Russell, and sisters, Audrey, Patricia, Wilda, and Joy Lou. Leeford served in the Navy during WWII as a Petty Officer 2nd Class Signalman and retired from Harrison Radiator after 42 years of service. Leeford was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Kettering for more than 50 years, serving as a deacon and a Sunday school teacher, and ministered to youth in juvenile detention centers. He was also a member of the Ohio Baptist Disaster Relief Team. Leeford will always be remembered for his sense of humor, his great love of the Lord, his deep compassion for others, and his tremendous devotion to his family. He was an inspiration and a blessing to all who knew him. Friends are invited to pay their respects at First Baptist Church, 3939 Swigart Road on Friday, October 5, 2007. A viewing will be held from 11:00am until 1:00pm with services officiated by Rev. Barry Jude and Rev. Matt Fleck immediately following. Leeford will be laid to rest at Valley View Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.NewcomerFamily.com.