EMPORIA — Walter L. Graham, 93, of Emporia, died Jan. 24, 2015, at Emporia Presbyterian Manor. Walter was born Dec. 24, 1921, in Liberal, the son of Logan and Margaret (Bruce) Graham. He attended Pratt Junior College, Independence Junior College and Wichita State University.
Walter was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served as a B-17 pilot with the 8th Air Force in England during World War II, completing 31 combat missions. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters. He retired from the Air Force after 30 years of service with the rank of Major.
He was manager of Meschke Clothing both in Great Bend and Emporia. He later founded W.G. Outfitters Ltd, which operated Newmans Men’s Shop for several years. He was past president of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, Emporia Chamber of Commerce and the Emporia Country Club. Walter was a member of the Ball-McColm Post No. 5, American Legion of Emporia, and the Emporia Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder.
Walter married Doris N. Redman on Nov. 18, 1945, in Wichita. She survives, of the home. Other survivors include, son, Michael Graham and wife Cindy of Haymarket, Va.; daughter, Karen Osborn and husband Rocky, of Leawood; granddaughters, Daryn Kraut and husband Jon, Taylor Graham, and Kendall Graham, all of Virginia, Whitney Riscoe and husband Michael, and Cristen Frederick and husband Pat, both of Leawood, and Blair Osborn of New York; one great-grandson; and two great-granddaughters. He was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Walter was a great husband, an incredible dad, and a wonderful grandfather.
Memorial service will be held 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30, at the Emporia Presbyterian Church. Pastor Jim Schubert will be officiating. Inurnment will be in Maplewood Cemetery at a later date. Cremation is planned.
Memorial contributions may be made to Emporia Friends of the Zoo or the Emporia Public Library and sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.robertsblue.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home**
605 State Street
Emporia, KS 66801
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 28, 2015