Donald D.

Graham

Omaha — Donald D. Graham, 88, of Omaha, formerly of O'Neill, died Monday, July 4, 2022.

A private celebration of life service will be held.

Memorials may be made to the Donald D. Graham Scholarship Fund for accounting students, Creighton University, P.O. Box 30282, Omaha, NE 68103 in Donald's name.

Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworka-Cutler Mortuary and Creamatory in Omaa is in charge of the arrangements.

Donald was born on April 21, 1934 and was raised in the small town of O'Neill. He is a descendant of one of the town's founding fathers. He attributed his business and personal success to following the Christian values ingrained during his youth in rural O'Neill.

Following a two-year stint in the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne Division, Mr. Graham resumed studies at Creighton University. In 1958, he graduated with a bachelor of science in business administration degree. A year later, he earned CPA certification from the state of Nebraska.

While at Creighton, Mr. Graham met and worked for Mr. John P. Begley. They joined a colleague in forming the CPA firm of Begley, Herbert & Graham, providing tax and business consultancy to various enterprises in the Midwest. During this time, Mr. Graham also served as an adjunct faculty member at Creighton. 

Although the CPA firm enjoyed great success, Mr. Graham found himself ready for a change in career focus. He chose to shift direction from providing tax services for others to more closely managing his own business interests. By carefully acquiring declining businesses with a potential for turnaround and investing in commercial and farm properties, Mr. Graham laid the foundation for a rewarding entrepreneurship. Mr. Graham built a group of companies headquartered in Omaha with worldwide operations. The companies provided services in diverse industries.

Throughout his career, Mr. Graham also generously offered his time and expertise to numerous boards. For more than 40 years, he freely provided financial counsel to the Benedictine Sisters in Atchison, KS. In Omaha, he was a leadership contributor to Omaha's Sacred Heart School, as well as a loyal and generous supporter of Creighton University.

Donald is survived by his wife Margery; one daughter Nancy (Brad) Graham Cagle, one son Donald (Karen) Graham Jr.; seven grandchildren Houston (Elena) Cagle, Tori (Adam) Peitz, Nick Cagle, Emily (Connor) Adamson, Dean (Madison) Graham, Jenny and Matt Graham; three great-grandchildren Nora and Holden Peitz and Naomi Cagle; and one sister Kay Maughan.

He was preceded in death by one daughter Peggy Clark, one son-in-law Dave Phelps and one great-grandson Maverick Peitz.