Thomas Edwin Graham

Thomas Edwin Graham, a beloved husband, father, brother, and respected member of the Cardington community passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at Ohio Health Mansfield Hospital. He was born on December 23, 1946, in Marion, OH to the late Edwin G. and Mary C. (Sprang) Graham.

Thomas dedicated his life to serving his country and his community. After graduating from Cardington-Lincoln High School in 1965 with a strong work ethic and a passion for making a difference, he enlisted in the U.S. Army on April 6, 1966. Serving with valor and distinction during the Vietnam War, Thomas rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant E-6 Infantry where he received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal with "V" Device, Army Service Cross, and Combat Infantry Badge before his honorable discharge on April 5, 1968.

After serving in the U.S. Army, Thomas went on to work for 47 years with dedication and integrity at Whirlpool Corp as a Wastewater Treatment Operator.

Beyond his professional achievements, Thomas was a pillar of the community, he was a lifelong member of both the American Legion Post 97 and the V.F.W. Post 8054, was a member of the Military Honor Guard for the Legion and V.F.W., as well as serving as a Commissioner for the Morrow County Veterans Committee. Thomas also served on the past Village Council for the Cardington community. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and actively participated in various activities. Thomas had a passion for sports and was a dedicated softball and T-ball coach, as well as the sports announcer for high school sporting events at Cardington, positively impacting the lives of many children with his guidance, mentorship, and unwavering support. He loved mowing his lawn and tending to his yard. He was a Car and Motorcycle enthusiast who loved riding his Harley. One of Thomas' favorite things to do was drive his golf cart around town with his best buddy, his dog Larry.

On June 15, 1966, Thomas married Sherry (Owens) in Cardington, she survives in Cardington.

In addition to his wife, Thomas is survived by his son Thomas Graham, his grandchildren: Brock (Taylor) Shade, Hope (Gary Lee) Shade, Thomas Graham II, Giulianna Graham, Ashlee (James) Brown, three great-grandchildren: Zeppelin Seabach, Atlas Arnold, and Grace Shade, and son-in-law, Randy Brown.

In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by his daughter MeLinda Shade, his sister Rosemary Buckingham. his grandparents who raised him, Lawrence and Clara Graham and grandparents: Paul and Blanche Sprang.

Friends may call on Monday, February 5, 2024, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at Gompf Funeral Home, 440 Center Street in Cardington. The funeral service will follow directly at 2:00 PM with celebrant LeAnne Gompf officiating. Following the service, the burial will take place in the Glendale Union Cemetery with full military honors.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider Morrow County Veterans Services, 143 South Main Street, Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338, or V.F.W. Post 8054, State Route 61, Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338.

Gompf Funeral Service of Cardington is honored to have been chosen to assist the Graham family with Thomas' final wishes and condolences may be expressed at www.gompffh.com.