Obituary of Melburn Lynn Graham

Melburn "Lynn" Graham, of Sapulpa, passed from this life to his heavenly home April 7, 2015 at the age of 67. Lynn was born in Tulsa, OK on November 28, 1947 to Estel and Thelma Graham. Following graduation from Sapulpa High School in 1966, he volunteered to serve in the United States Army. He was assigned to Fort Polk, LA for basic training before being sent to fight in Vietnam. At Fork Polk, Lynn met fellow soldier, Joel Peace. Still teenagers learning to become men, Lynn and Joel forged a friendship that endured the imaginable and has withstood the test of time. During that time Lynn was given the nickname "Crack." They were both assigned to the Army Infantry Unit, Charlie Company of the 1st and 7th Calvary. Together they served "in county" from February 1968 to February 1969. They were stationed at the demilitarized zone and fought at Tet offensive. They left Vietnam on the same flight and were each awarded many medals for their services. Among those medals Lynn received the Army Commendation Medal for Heroism. They were separated for the rest of their enlistments and were each honorably discharged in 1969. Although Joel and Crack went their separate ways in life, they remained the closest of friends making many memories while fishing, hunting, and enjoying the lives they were so thankful to have. Lynn spent most of his working years as a truck driver and later worked for Paragon Pipe. Lynn was an avid fisherman, hunter, and nature lover. He loved a good party and liked to live life to the fullest. Lynn loved to garden and share the fruits of his labor with his friends and loved ones. He is survived by his loving wife Karen. Lynn was a loving father and grandfather. He is survived by his son Greg Graham and his wife Charlin and their children Kolin and Kyler of Jenks; his daughter Jennifer Hickman and her children Kody Lane, Kolton, and Krislynn of Tulsa; stepson Darren Gantz and his wife Melissa and their son Alex of Jenks; and stepdaughter Tara Gantz and her children Anna and Adam Davis of Sapulpa. Lynn was a proud brother to two siblings; brother Larry Graham and his wife Elizabeth and sister Vicki Schaffner and her husband Jorg. Lynn shared a special bond with his stepmother, Virginia Graham of Sapulpa. Lynn loved his three surviving Aunts: Jane Heggen of Shreveport, LA; Ruby Vann of Sand Springs, and Pauline Cole of Tahlequah. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Although not related by blood, Lynn considered his best friend, Joel Peace and his wife Linda of Paris, Texas as close to family as any. He loved his four-legged children Coco, Grace Ann, and Tia and was so thankful to be reunited with them before he passed. Lynn was preceded in death by his parents Estel and Thelma Graham; brother Randall Lee Graham; cousin Mark Robertson. He recently had to say goodbye to his miniature pincher, Sugar. Surely, she was waiting eagerly for him when he entered Heaven's gates. A memorial service to celebrate Lynn's life will be held at Green Hill Funeral Home on Friday, April 10, 2015 at 11:00 am. The family has entrusted services to the directors at Green Hill Funeral Home. 9182242312/www.greenhillok.com