Joseph, William Graham Jr., 58, Middletown, IN passed away January 29, 2019 at home with his family at his side from a short battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Joe was born June 19, 1960. He grew up in Indianapolis and attended junior high at George W Sloan School #41 and graduated from Northwest High School June 5, 1978. Eleven days later, he committed to proudly serving in the United States Army. Joseph served Active duty all over the world for 17 years and then served in the Active Reserves for 8 years. He retired from the military in 2003.
When Joe returned from active duty in 1995, he began a career at IU Health, (University Hospital, Clarian Health) in the Intensive Care Units where Joe & Tonya met and by May 1996, –Memorial Day, there was no doubt God sent them to each other. They became an instant family of 7. He was fearless and more than brave in his commitment to his family. Joe was “all-in”, and he loved being a Dad. Joe and Tonya were blessed with a son, Joseph (Trey) W Graham III (2003) and a daughter, Joy Elizabeth Graham (2005). A FAMILY of 9, time flew by too fast, and he was able to enjoy being a Grandpa.
Joe transferred to the GI /ERCP Departments at IU Health and worked there for many years. He found his place working as a Gastroenterology Tech with the most incredible physicians, nurses, and staff and he loved helping deliver extraordinary care to patients.
“Pesto Joe” was a vendor at the Pendleton Farmers’ Market for many years and would often help Tonya with the responsibilities of being Market Master. He became quite the celebrity in home town Pendleton, and everyone loved him. In more recent years, Joe worked for The Pendleton Community Library and the IU School of Medicine Education Department.
Joe loved to garden, cook and BBQ and he shared the bounty with family, friends and community.
Joe loved FOOTBALL, the Vikings, Notre Dame, the college teams his children played for and would fanatically yell at the TV screen on Football Game Days. Basketball would pacify him until the next Football Season.
Joseph is survived by his love of 24 years, Tonya Newell, 7 children: Jonathan Roman, Edwin (Sonny) Roman III, Schyler (Jessica) Roman, Hannah (Todd Swain) Roman, Kaleb Newell, Joseph (Trey) Graham III, Joy Graham: and 4 Grandchildren: Lilian Allred, Sophia & Savannah Roman, Logan Swain. He is also survived by his sister Deborah Hennings, several Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph William & Andra (Carlisle) Graham Sr., 2 sisters Alisandro Jackson and Jobina Edwards and several Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents.
Celebration of Life Tuesday, February 12, 2019. Visitation from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. with Military Service beginning at 3:00 p.m. sharp. Indiana Funeral Care, 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN.
Food will be available during visitation hours.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to a few of Joseph’s favorite organizations.
Outfitters, clothing children, changing lives (Madison County) online at https://www.outfittersclothes.org/get-involved or by mail to Outfitters Clothes 880 S. Pendleton Ave, Pendleton, IN 46064
More than conquerors online at http://www.weareconquering.com/donate or by mail to More than conquerors 7558 S. SR 67 Suite D, Pendleton, IN 46064
Christine Bellessis says
Please know that Joe had a positive impact on everyone he met. He will be truly missed.
Chris Overley says
Tanya, my sincere condolences to you and the children. Joe had a playful personality and a great sense of humor. I enjoyed working with him in GI procedures. He often spoke about you as the love of his life and I remember how proud he was as he spoke of his children. He will be missed. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Dianne Tyner-Davis says
There is so much I could say about you brother form another. We’ve had some great times as co-workers for so many years. You have been such a joy to know and work with and will truly be missed by your GI family.
Many prayers and deep condolences go out to you and the family Tonya. May God hold you all tightly in his arms of protection, hold onto the many, many happy memories God has allowed you all to have with Joe, as I will do the same I can still hear his voice throughout these hallways…Thank God for such good memories of such a good, fun, loving person………Dianne
Mark Lyons says
A man that was very friendly, make you laugh, smart, and liked by all. I send my sincere condolences, and prayers. May the lord bring you peace in this difficult time.
Elly Strahl says
Elly Strahl. I worked with Joe in thr GI setting for many years. I know he enjoyed taking care of patients and helping to assist the doctors with their procedures. A very rewarding career in GI to learn the latest techniques and to know he was making a difference. Joe will be remembered. May good memories bring comfort to all of Joes family.
Brad says
Joe,
You will never get to see these words but understand you were a treaure to those that go to know you. You will be missed by those previed to know you. Prayers! Brad Hobbs
Amanda (Miller) Call says
Tonya and family please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. It is my prayer that God would provide you comfort during the days ahead. May the wonderful memories of Joe live on through his family and friends. I think often of the catered meals y’all provided when I was an ICU nurse at IU and then the many delicious meals when I came to the GI unit. Working with Joe was truly an honor and a blessing- God took a great one home! If my memory recalls me, Joe and I shared a love for your white chocolate cranberry oatmeal cookies. Sending my love and prayers from SC!
Morgan R Hooson ,Jr says
My Condolences first to the Family.
JOE and I first met in High School
Sophomore year , I can’t reme.ber if we had a class together or not, but we pretty much hit off and we had good fun time being around each other. We went to school together, we caught the city bus to get there together, worked at the same jobs downtown at Edison parking. We decided to join the Army togather on the buddy program we both left the same day and started basic training in different places not knowing whether we see each other again. First duty station in Korea I get off the bus and who do I see ,Joe, I say I be damn, I can’t believe it Joe. What the hell are you doing here! And through out our careers we frequently ran in to each other ,and continued to try to stay in touch .
Well fair well by brother , I told you I loved you and you would greatly be missed by all , GOD ,FAMILY , COUNTRY, A faithful servant to the end
Sleep now and rest in peace.
Again my Condolences and may God comfort your family and bring you peace in your time of mourning
Always a soldier
With love
Morgan R Hopson,Jr
US ARMY RETIRED
Elizabeth Canada says
Tonya and family,
So sad to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a courageous man. He fought the good fight. Hugs and healing prayers for you all.
Sincerely, Liz Canada
Jennifer Bailey says
Shocked to see Joe passed. My heart is heavy for you all.
I looked forward to stopping at his booth at the farmer’s market. So talented and friendly. My children and I will miss him.
Michele McKinley says
Tonya and Schyler
There are no words to comfort you. No amount of time to prepare for the enevable. But please know that I am thinking of you and hope that knowing Joe is free from this horrible disease gives you some peace. “Pesto” Joe will be missed and remembered.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Michele McKinley
Vickie Davidson-Marion says
With Deep Sympathy for your loss to my dear nieces (April, Edith. Danielle Davidson) and loved ones. Let God’s deep love and understanding help you in your grief. For JESUS is there to ease the pain and bring your sorrowing heart relief. Know that you are loved and in our constant prayers.
With Love,
Your Aunt Vickie Davidson-Marion and Family
Larry Foote Sr says
My condolences to the family. May the God of comfort be with you at this time. I will truly miss my brother. Not only was Joe my brother in life but, my brother in our military family. I love him dearly. Your brother in Christ. Larry Foote Sr.
Michelle Franciskovich says
My heart aches for you all. He was one in a million. His sweet nature touched the lives of so many. I am praying for you Tonya… and your babies..
I’m so sorry.
…he had a beautiful soul.
Much love,
Michelle Franciskovich