Rex Clayton Graham, 94 of Warren, PA passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at Warren General Hospital at 5:40 PM on Sunday August 6, 2017.
Born January 27, 1923 to Julia Adele Bly Graham and Holcy Raymond Graham at home in Clarendon, PA. Rex went to school in Clarendon through the 8th grade and then switched to Beaty Junior High School and then Warren High School where he graduated in 1941.
After graduating High School he joined the United States Army and served with honor and distinction during WWII as a member of the Thunderbirds 45th Infantry Division, 157thInfantry Regiment, C Company as a heavy weapons specialist and also as 1st Scout of C Company.
Throughout the war Rex was a part of several major campaigns, including
· The invasion of Sicily
· The Invasions in Italy at Salerno and Anzio
· In France at Saint Maxine and Alsace-Loraine
· In Germany the campaigns to liberate Aschaffenburg, Nuremberg, and Dachau
He earned numerous medals and ribbons including the Bronze Star for valor under enemy fire.
After WWII ended he attended Watchmakers School in Pittsburgh where he met the love of his life Mary Louise Chisnell at a YMCA dance. They were married six months later and moved back to Warren.
Many will remember visiting him in his Watchmakers shop on the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Hickory Street where he worked for many years, or as their School Bus driver, or as the owner and operator along with his wife Mary Lou, of Graham Tours. Rex and Mary Lou loved operating their tour company and often relayed many wonderful and fond memories of everyone they traveled with it was well loved part of their lives.
Rex is survived by 4 Sons Gary (Deborah), Robert (Rose Mary), Richard (Carol), Rex (Ivonne), 5 Grandchildren Seth, Emily, Cally, Rex and Gunnar, several nieces and nephews also survive. He will be fondly missed by all who knew him.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA, on Thursday, August 10, 2017, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Friends may also call on Friday at First United Methodist Church, 200 Market Street, Warren, PA, from 10:00am until 11:00am at which time a funeral service will be conducted by Rev. Dr. Mark E. Hecht, Senior Pastor, officiating. Interment will follow in Warren County Memorial Park where full military honors will be conducted by members of the Clarendon/Sheffield V.F.W. Funeral Honor Guard and U. S. Army personnel. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to place a memorial may do so through First United Methodist Church, 200 Market Street, Warren, PA, 16365, or to Paws Along The River, 212 Elm Street, Warren, PA, 16365. Email condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
Sophia and I send our love and prayers to all of the Graham family. He was an unforgettable man who touched so many in his life time. The world shines a little less bright without him in it. May you all find peace and healing during this tough time.
Love,
Barb and Sophia
Thank you so very much Barbara,
He had a wonderful send off. I am sure he immeasurably happy and healthy where he is with his wife and all of his family.
Bob
So sorry to hear the passing of Uncle Rex Always enjoyed sitting out in frontof their house and watching the Fourth of July parade and going on the bingo bus withMary Louise and trips to Atlantic City May he rest in peace
Hi Kathy,
Thank you for the kind and comforting words. he was one of a kind.
Bob
I was in warren a couple of weeks ago and went by the graham home and wondered if Rex was still with us. Always enjoyed visiting with them as a kid growing up. I believe Rex was the last of his siblings to pass. I will remember his friendly personality. May he Rest In Peace.
I was one of the fortunate ones who remember him as their school bus driver. Always a beautiful smile and a cheerful greeting which started the day out right. I will always cherish the memories of him with his positive attitude and love of life which was clear to see every school day. It sounds like he had an amazing family life too. I’m sure all of you are full of treasured memories of this precious man. RIP kind sir from a North Warren passenger.
Hi Debbie,
Bus driving was a wonderful thing for him. He enjoyed it immensely and
all the school kids he drove. He could hardly go anywhere without bumping into one of them in his later years. Thank you for your uplifting condolences.
Bob
Graham Family: Please know you are in our thoughts & prayers. My mother Sally & father Robert spoke highly of Mr. Graham. As a kid, I remember riding the bus to someplace with Mr. Graham. Also, I remember my dad taking me into the watch shop & Mr. Graham & my dad talking as old friends.
I have many great memories growing up around the Graham family and was always welcomed to the Graham home. Mr. and Mrs. Graham were always nice to me when I used to stop by to meet with their son Rex , eat dinner, ride the school bus or even go on one their many road trips with the tour bus. Rest in peace Mr. “G”, you are sorely missed by all. My heart goes out to all for your loss.
Hi Dan… Thanks so much for the kind and thoughtful words. My brothers and I greatly appreciate it during this difficult time. Thanks again.
Rex, Gary, Bob, and Rich
I have great memories of Rex Graham. I remember growing up in Warren and spending countless amount time visiting with him. He was very much like father figure to me. He was always very good to me and I will miss him very much. I am glad I had the opportunity to spend some time with him my last time visiting Warren. My heavy heart goes out to the entire Graham family.
Hi Doug,
Thanks for sharing your memories about my father. He and my mother loved you very much.
Rex
Thank you for the flower arrangement. It was very beautiful and thoughtful. Say hello thank you to Kathy too.
Rex