Wendell Graham

WINDHAM – Wendell Thomas Graham, 77, of Windham, passed away on March 22, 2016, after a brief illness.

Born Nov. 7, 1938, to Roland and Edna Hanlon Graham of Bridgton, Wendell attended school in Bridgton, Fryeburg, Portland, and also American River College. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1955, and proudly served his country for 23 years as a jet aircraft mechanic. His career took him to Iceland, Taiwan, Germany, and three tours of duty in Vietnam, of which he was most proud.

Wendell married Phyllis Bradford of Portland in 1956, and they shared three sons. He married Janice Wyman of Scarborough in 1982. Wendell enjoyed learning and working with his hands. He loved the time he spent remodeling his 1967 Chevy Truck, building model airplanes, restoring antique clocks, building his own boat, and researching his family history.

He was a member of the Back Forty Model A Club, and the Presumpscot Lodge #70 AF & AM, where he served as Master for four years. His dedication to the “Chips” Child Identification Program is displayed by his fourteen-year commitment to the program, and his long-standing leadership as the Maine State Director. An avid outdoorsman, Wendell loved deer hunting in Northern Maine with his brother Kenny. They collected and shared stories of their adventures, and spoke of them often, always with smiles and laughs. His beloved dog Jenni-Fur was the highlight of every day, and anyone who got to spend time with Wendell appreciated his wit, vast knowledge, and conversations about all things.

Wendell is survived by his wife Janice; sister Sheila Kopacz (William) of Westbrook; brother Dale Kendrick Graham of Waterboro; sons Roland (Dianne) of Newbury Park, Calif., Kevin (Tammy) of Pocasset, Okla. and Scott (Scott) of Wyomissing, Pa. He was a loved grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and dear friend to many.

A funeral service was held, with a Masonic prayer ritual on Monday, March 28, at the Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Road, Windham. Interment will be held later in the spring at Forest Hill Cemetery, Bridgton. Those wishing to remember Wendell may make gifts in his name to the Presumpscot Lodge #70 AF & AM, 137 Albion Road, Windham, ME 04062, or to the Animal Refuge League, PO Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04098.

To express condolences and participate in Wendell’s online tribute, please visit www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com