LeRoy "Steve" Graham

Leroy Graham May 18, 1943 – June 11, 2019 The beloved wife, two children, and three grandchildren of Leroy “Steve” Graham, age 76, announce his passing. The staff at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center in Creve Couer provided excellent care and heartfelt compassion to Leroy after his stroke and until he was received into his Savior’s, loving arms at 6:38am on Tuesday, June 11th. Born in the state of California in May, 1943 to proud parents Pinckney and Nettie Graham, Leroy was the youngest of five boys. He married the love of his life, Muriel Mary McCartney, in October, 1964. The couple lived their first years together in Nevada where Leroy worked in farming often hauling hay over the Rocky Mountains into California. Many remember the amazing stories he shared about his trips through Donner Pass. In 1969, Leroy, Muriel, and their young daughter, Samantha, moved to Missouri where Leroy had accepted a job as a mechanic at his Uncle John’s (Spatafora) John Deere dealership in Troy. This was the beginning of a lifetime career and his love of “the green ones”. The family of three welcomed new son/brother, Stephen, in 1971. Settled into their new community, Leroy was a friendly face – often chuckling – a kind spirit with quiet strength, always willing to lend a helping hand. He loved the Lord, his family, talking politics, a good meal, and all things chocolate. In the mid 80s, Leroy opened his own tractor repair shop, Steve’s Farm Repair. It was a welcoming place where many farmers and friends came to do business or just sit on the couch and chat for a while. Leroy retired in 2013. Leroy really loved and was so proud of his kids, Samantha Graham-Douglas (Rusty) and Stephen (Heather). Around him for any amount of time at all and you would likely hear about the doings of his grandkids, Tabitha Crapo (Josh), Benjamin Douglas, and Ariel Romanko (Matthew). The shenanigans of his grand-dogs, Mali and Toby Crapo, and Annabelle Graham, always brought a smile to his face. Leroy was especially looking forward to meeting his first great-grandchild in October 2019. Leroy would be the first to say that his life wasn’t always easy, but it was a blessed, good, full life. Leroy’s testimony was that the Lord Almighty had never left him, had not forsaken him, had held him up with His righteous right hand and seen him through both tragedy and triumph. Leroy’s optimism – often shared with his unique, “all right!” and kind of sideways thumbs up – was a contagious encouragement to others. He had earned his “crown of glory” and shared his wisdom generously but gently. One was wiser, happier and better off for having known him. A private, graveside service to say goodbye for now (but not forever) was held at Troy Cemetery on Friday, June 14th. Praise and thanks to the Lord was lifted up celebrating a life well lived and the gift of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ. A testament to Leroy and Muriel’s commitment to their family and the example he set of hard work and service to others, his children, Samantha and Stephen, each founded and run their own local charity in Troy. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring an amazing man through a donation to Samantha’s LIFE RESTORATION CENTER or Stephen’s TROY COMMUNITY CONCERT BAND. Leroy would be amazed and grateful for the generosity displayed and would be absolutely tickled to still be helping his kids. Arrangements are under the direction of Kemper-Millard-Keim Family Funeral Chapel; 351 Monroe Street, Troy, Missouri 63379. Online condolences may be made at www.kempermillardkeimfamilyfuneralchapel.com Phone 636-528-8221.

LeRoy "Steve" Graham

May 18, 1943 - June 11, 2019