Elmer R. Graham

Elmer Rogers Graham was born to James and Myrtle Graham on September 28, 1915 Southwest of Temple, OK and departed this life in Wichita Falls, TX on June 15, 2010 at the age of 94 years, 8 months and 18 days. Elmer graduated from Temple High School, Temple, OK. He lived on a farm until he was 29 years old. He married Lillie Mae Rodolph in 1935 and they had three children, Carolyn, Marilyn and Elmer Jr. He married Mary Ruth Clement in Dallas, TX in 1978. Elmer was invloved in many occupations such as farming and ranching, oil production and operations, operating a cotton compress, grain elevator operations and newspaper publishing. In 1957 he built the largest privately owned flood irrigation project. In 1963 he chartered a national bank and later was chairman of five independent corporate banks. At his retirement he was serving as CEO of Walters Bank & Trust Co. In 1964 he was appointed to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority where he served for 25 yrs under 6 Governors. In 1989 he tried to accompany the Russians on a flight into space, but was denied due to a medical condition. Elmer was an innovations finalist at Harvard University in 1992. He built an aluminum football stadium with a seating capacity of 1700 for Walters High School in 1997. He was trustee for the second largest wheat exporter in the world. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Marilyn Risenhoover and a brother, Leon Graham. Survivors include his wife, Mary Ruth Graham of the home; a daughter, Carolyn McComber of Belleair Beach, Florida; a son Elmer Roger Graham Jr and wife Julie of Walters, OK; five grandchildren, Greg McComber and wife Brandi of Walters, Stacy McDonald and husband Chris of Largo, FL, Leslie Cowan and husband Tim of Orlando, Fl, and Roger Graham III and wife Heather of Austin, TX; six great grandchildren, Jackson, Preston and Allison McDonald of Largo, Fl, Zach, Nate and Sydney Cowen of Orlando, FL; a nephew Jimmy Graham of Geronimo, OK; and many other relatives and friends.