Ebert Leran Graham

Ebert Graham, 92, of Lexington, formerly of Effingham, passed away on Monday, November 21, 2011 at Meadows Mennonite Home in Chenoa, IL.

Cremation rites will be accorded in Effingham. Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham is in charge of arrangements. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Friday at First Christian Church in Effingham, with his close friend, the Rev. Larry Beebe, officiating. A gathering and visitation will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the church immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Meadows Mennonite Home, 24588 Church St., Chenoa, IL 61726.

Ebert was born May 14, 1919, in Flora, the son of Lewis and Ekie (Hockman) Graham. He was raised in Dieterich, IL where he met Esther Muriel Birch. They eloped to Indiana and were married on August 22, 1939, and they were blessed to have 64 years together. Esther passed away on July 20, 2004.

Ebert was a lifelong Christian and a member of First Christian Church in Effingham, where he served on the church board and helped take care of the church grounds. He moved to Lexington in 1987 and enjoyed attending Lexington Community Church.

Ebert was an operator and mechanic of a heavy equipment construction company, Mautz & Oren in Effingham for over 40 years. He served in the U.S. Army for two years and was stationed at Fort Knox, Fort Oregon and Fort Meade. Ebert cherished life and never knew a stranger. He always had a story to tell. After retirement, he crafted many woodworking items and was particularly proud of his wooden crosses and loved giving them away. He was an avid Cardinal and Illini fan.

Surviving are one son, Ed (Barbara) Graham, Lexington; four grandchildren, Todd Graham and Teresa (Kevin) Roeschley, both of Peoria; Andrew Graham, New York City; and Brian Graham, Lexington; one brother, Col. O.D. (Wanda) Graham, Houston, Texas; four great-grandchildren; and one sister-in-law, Rosemary (Moris) Sowers, Effingham.

Ebert was preceded in death by his wife; one son, David Graham; one granddaughter, Mindy Lynn Graham; three sisters, Lela Harrell, Frances Sefton and Izella McCain; and three brothers, the Rev. Rogert Graham, Buster Graham and Varbal Graham.

We rejoice that his soul is set free but we will miss him here on earth. We carry him in our hearts forever. Blessed be the memory of a long life well-lived.