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Gerald W. "Jerry" Graham, 84, of Tyrone, went home to be with the Lord early Tuesday morning at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Bellwood, a son of the late Leo M. and Estella A. (Moyer) Graham.
He married Norma J. Tatsch on Sept. 26, 1959, at Geeseytown Lutheran Church.
Surviving are his wife, Norma; two children, Leo M. Graham II (Michelle) and Brenda L. Rhodes (Keith), all of Antis Township; 12 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren.
Jerry was preceded in death by a son, James Edward Graham on Dec. 6, 1979; and the following siblings: Earl M. Graham, Robert L. Graham, Dorothy M. Nash, John R. Graham, Samuel C. Graham, James E. Graham and Kenneth G. Graham.
Mr. Graham was a member of Faith Bible Church.
He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving until March 1963.
Jerry retired as a sales manager from Estes Express following 14 years' service. He had also been previously employed by Friedmans Express for 12 years, Rist Transport for two years and Air-Ground Express for a year. Earlier, Jerry had been employed as a driver for Sky Brothers, Daniels Motorfreight, BP, Motor Express and as a self-employed owner/operator. Following his transportation career, Jerry became, since the fall of 2010, a funeral home attendant at Myers-Somers Funeral Home Inc.
He was a member of Hollidaysburg Lodge 220, Free & Accepted Masons; Valley of Altoona, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite bodies; Jaffa Shrine, where he was a member and past captain (2002-2003) of the Patrol/Directors Staff. He was a mini-jeep driver. He was a member of the following committees at Jaffa Shrine: Circus, Sports-Show, Gun Raffle, Membership, Housing and Concessions. Jerry was also a member of the Altoona Shrine Club and Cove Shrine Club. He was a member of Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Forest 131; a member of Mount Moriah Chapter No. 166, where he served as Most Excellent High Priest; and Rose Croix, where he served as Most Wise Master. He was also a member of the Altoona Traffic Club.
Jerry was an avid bowler and hunter. He also enjoyed camping, traveling and golfing.
Friends will be received from 2 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, at Myers-Somers Funeral Home Inc., 501 Sixth Ave., Altoona, where military honors will be held at 7 p.m. Monday with a Masonic funeral service immediately following.
Friends will be received from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, at Port Matilda Baptist Church, 105 S. High St., Port Matilda, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. with Pastor Ben Hoover officiating.
Interment will be made at Grandview Cemetery, Altoona.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations please be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, in care of Jaffa Shrine, 2200 Broad Ave., Altoona, PA 16601.
myerssomersfuneralhome.com