Obituary for Merle L. Graham
Merle L. Graham, 89, of Union City, passed away on Friday, January 20, 2023, at LECOM Senior Living Center. He was born in Greene Township, on March 1, 1933, a son of the late Norman Paul and Elizabeth McGahan Graham.
Merle attended the Lake Pleasant Schoolhouse prior to starting his lifelong farming career. He was a third generation farmer, and owner/operator of the Merle Graham Potato Farm near Lake Pleasant.
Merle’s passion in life was his horses. He was known by many for his 50+ years of competing in countless heavy weight horse pulling contests throughout the tri-state area. Many great memories and many great friends were made through his years of pulling horses.
Survivors include his wife and partner of 38 years, Martha Plyler Graham; his four children, Martin Graham, Linda Hawkinson (Charlie), Sandy Elder (Carl), and Randy Graham; his stepchildren, Cathy Waldinger (Daniel), Kimberly Ayers (Barry), Donna Horn, John Plyler (Renee), and Joeli Post (Jason); his close friends, John Woodcock, Eli, Bill, and John Keim; a special Aunt Ila; and many brothers, sisters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Services and burial are private and at the convenience of the family. Funeral arrangements were made by the Russell C. Schmidt and Son Funeral Home, Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd., Erie, PA 16504.
Memorial contributions can be made to Erie County Wattsburg Fair Horse Pulling Competition - In memory of Merle Graham - Attn. Sam Holly -13993 State Highway 8, Wattsburg, PA 16442.
Merle attended the Lake Pleasant Schoolhouse prior to starting his lifelong farming career. He was a third generation farmer, and owner/operator of the Merle Graham Potato Farm near Lake Pleasant.
Merle’s passion in life was his horses. He was known by many for his 50+ years of competing in countless heavy weight horse pulling contests throughout the tri-state area. Many great memories and many great friends were made through his years of pulling horses.
Survivors include his wife and partner of 38 years, Martha Plyler Graham; his four children, Martin Graham, Linda Hawkinson (Charlie), Sandy Elder (Carl), and Randy Graham; his stepchildren, Cathy Waldinger (Daniel), Kimberly Ayers (Barry), Donna Horn, John Plyler (Renee), and Joeli Post (Jason); his close friends, John Woodcock, Eli, Bill, and John Keim; a special Aunt Ila; and many brothers, sisters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Services and burial are private and at the convenience of the family. Funeral arrangements were made by the Russell C. Schmidt and Son Funeral Home, Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd., Erie, PA 16504.
Memorial contributions can be made to Erie County Wattsburg Fair Horse Pulling Competition - In memory of Merle Graham - Attn. Sam Holly -13993 State Highway 8, Wattsburg, PA 16442.