Thomas “Tom” Warner Graham 1940 - 2024

GRAHAM, PECHACEK

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 11/20/2024 at 20:20:54

Sioux City Journal
29 August 2024

Sioux City

Thomas “Tom” Warner Graham passed away at the age of 84 on Aug. 24, 2024. As a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to many, he will be missed deeply.

Visitation with family present will be held at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 31, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be at 3 p.m. Aug. 31, 2024, at Meyer Brothers Funeral Home 322 Stone Park Blvd Sioux City, IA 51104. A reception is to follow at 4 p.m. Aug. 31, 2024, Sioux City Country Club 4001 Jackson St. Sioux City, IA 51104.

Tom was born on May 4, 1940 in Sioux City, the second child of Kathryn and James Graham. He attended Hunt Elementary School, North Junior High School and Central High School. Tom was active in the high school band and orchestra and played in the original Sioux City Junior Symphony Orchestra.
Tom attended Duke University, where he played in the marching band, and Morningside College.

After Morningside, Tom went on to work for Northwest Bell Telephone Company for five years. He also served in the Air National Guard from 1963-1969 and was in active duty from 1968-1969. He owned Modern Materials Company for over fifteen years and ultimately settled in a career in the insurance business until he retired.

On Aug. 14, 1965, Tom married Joellen “Jody” Pechacek. They celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary last year prior to Jody’s passing. Tom and Jody have four children—Christopher, Andrew, Jennifer and Sarah. As newlyweds, they lived in Omaha, NE for a few years before moving back home to Sioux City.

Tom was a long-time and active member of the Sioux City Rotary Club. He was also deeply invested in his faith for all of his adult life, serving on the vestry, as a Senior Warden, and singing in the choir for many years at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. He also was a member of several bible study and mens’ groups. Additionally, Tom served on the Sioux City Library Board, Sioux City Symphony Board and was a member of the Mankind Project. His hobbies included golfing, reading and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Those closest to Tom knew him as a kind and gentle man. He thrived on social connection. Tom was the type of person that made a point to say hello to everyone he passed and remember their name, from his server at Minerva’s to the manager and grocery bagger at HyVee. He would always ask how people’s days were going, and he truly cared. Tom was always hopeful and optimistic, he looked for the silver lining in every situation. His main mission as a father was to embarrass his children in every situation, and he excelled at it! Tom was always a present and involved father, cheering from the sidelines. He also greatly valued time with his grandchildren and great grandchild and was engaged with their activities be it sports, dance, choir or theater. If he had to miss anything, Tom would call immediately afterwards to get a full report.

Tom is survived by his children Chris Graham of Sioux City, Drew Graham and wife, Keri, of Sioux City, Jennifer Graham and husband, Seth, of Greenwich, CT, and Sarah Courson (Graham) and husband, Derick, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; his grandchildren Flory, Oliver, Willa, Liam, Daisy, Ella, Lily, Ava, Noah and Graham; and his great grandchild Emma.

Tom is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Jody; his parents; his sister, Sally; and his grandson, Jack. Special thanks to Dr. Michael Jung and Hospice of the Midwest for the love, care, compassion and support shown to Tom and his family.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Sioux City Symphony or Hospice of the Midwest.