Derald Graham

Derald Graham, age 87, of O'Neill, passed away Monday, July 25, 2011, at the Norfolk Veteran's Home.

Visitation was from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, July 27, 2011, at Biglin's Mortuary with a 7 p.m. prayer service.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 28, 2011, at the United Methodist Church in O'Neill. Officiating were Rev. Craig Collins and Randy Schmeichel. Music was provided by pianist Deb Federick and soloist Mandi Steele.

Burial was in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Atkinson. Military graveside rites were conducted by the O'Neill American Legion Simonson Post #93.

Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill was in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers were Bruce Morrow, Curt Morrow, Tom Storjohann, Keith May, Randy Winter and Leo Matthews.

Derald was born Aug. 3, 1923, at O'Neill to Maurice and Kathryn (Ernst) Graham. He attended rural school north of O'Neill.

He was inducted into the United States Army on April 3, 1943, at the age of 19. He was a member of the Black Panthers division of the infantry and served in combat in northern France during World War II. While in the service Derald was awarded the American Freedom Ribbon with one star, the E A M E T Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon, Victory Medal and Combat Infantry Badge. He was a sergant at the time of his honorable discharge on April 9, 1946.

On May 12, 1949, Derald married Marie Young at Bassett and they made their home in the O'Neill area. He worked at the New Deal Oil Station and later at Emmet. He also worked at Dorrance Crabb's service station in O'Neill, which he later purchased. He sold the service station in 1968 and bought Bill Murray's package liquor store which he and Marie operated until 1972. He sold the liquor store and went back to the gas business at the DX Station adjacent to the O'Neill Legion Club, he retired in 1983. Derald always remained a lover of cars.

Derald played a lot of baseball in his younger days, pitching for the O'Neill town team also known as the O'Neill Rockets. He pitched for other area teams as well.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in O'Neill, the Black Panthers Veterans Organization and the O'Neill American Legion Simonson Post #93. Derald was always very proud of his time served for his country.

He is survived by his wife, Marie and one sister, Mary Wimmer, both of O'Neill.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Russell; and two sisters, Muriel Brewster and Rita Eppenbach.