A Memorial Service honoring the life of Nolan Lee Graham, age 89, of Enid, is 1:30 pm, Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home with Reverend Gary Lillie officiating. Services are under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home.
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Nolan was born October 14, 1930 in Enid, Oklahoma, the oldest son of Lloyd and Lucille Graham, and peacefully passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2019, due to a sudden illness. Nolan was a life-long resident of Enid. He was a graduate of Enid High School and Enid Business College.
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Nolan married his high school sweetheart, Betty Lou Kelley on January 18, 1950 and they were married just short of 70 years. Together, they raised two sons, Dickie and Tommy.
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Nolan worked with his father Lloyd Graham in their own car business before beginning his thirty-nine-year banking career at Central National Bank in Enid, where he retired.
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Nolan was an avid car lover that started in his youth. He loved hot rods and was a member of the legendary Enid Playboys Car Club in the 50’s. He also loved race cars and was a fan of Enid Speedway and other tracks around the southwest. Over the course of his lifetime he worked with many of his beloved car buddies in building many different cars. His friendships with all his car buddies were like his second family and have been sorely missed as they passed in life.
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Nolan was an accomplished bowler, and participated in bowling league action until into his 70’s. He also served his community in being a member of the Enid Lions Club for many years. He spent many summers assisting with the operation of the Meadow Lake Park amusement rides.
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In addition to his love of cars, he and Betty loved going to Branson for five decades. They took great pride in having annual season passes to Silver Dollar City, The Presley’s and Baldknobber’s country music shows. Nolan could have easily been a Branson historian or tour guide.
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Nolan was preceded in death by his mother, Lucille Graham, and his father, Lloyd Graham. Nolan is survived by his wife, Betty, of Enid; two sons, Dickie Graham and wife Janice, of Ft. Worth, TX; Tommy Graham and wife Rhonda, of Tulsa, OK; four grandchildren, Darrell Graham and wife Anne, of Ft. Worth, TX; Mellisa Kurtz and husband Brian, of Southlake, TX; Emily Myers and husband Josh, of Moore, OK; Eric Graham, of Johnston, IA; five great-grandchildren, Madison, Asher, Aubree, Marshall, Linlee and soon to be a sixth great-grandchild on the way. He also leaves a brother, Ronald Graham and wife Margaret, of Denver, CO; and a niece, Susan Barton of Denver, CO.
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Condolences may be made to the family online at www.LadusauEvans.com. Ladusau-Evans has been serving the families of the Enid Community and surrounding areas for over 40 years with compassionate service and dedication. They provide families with an open door policy. Feel free to contact them 24 hours a day. Visitation Hours: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm daily, 2800 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-1400.
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Obituaries are posted, in part, due to the generosity of The Commons.
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