Nathaniel Maurice Graham

Nathaniel Maurice Graham, 52, of Kansas City, Mo., passed away Nov. 28, at the VA Medical Center. He was born Aug. 1, 1959, in Fort Scott, Kan. He was preceded by his father, Paul A. Graham Sr. and son, Justin M. Graham.

Nate was baptized at the First Christian Church in Pleasanton, Kan. He attended Iola schools and graduated from Iola High School in 1977, before joining the United States Army. Following training at Fort Leonard Wood, he worked his way to Specialist 4. He also served at Fort Ord, Calif., and Mannheim, Germany. While in the Army he did postal work, transported jet fuel and dry loads. Nate also was a driver for sergeants and majors. In 2008, he was honored in the Fort Scott Tribune with others who proudly served their country. After his discharge, he worked for the United Postal Service and most recently for the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo.

Nate was united in marriage to Mary Cole on Dec. 28, 1985, and they gave the world wonderful children. They later divorced. He grew up in the church and was recently attending Friendship Baptist Church of Kansas City, Mo. As a young person he was involved in Scouts and sports, lettering in baseball, basketball and football.

Nate was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and would attend home games when he had the chance. He enjoyed time with his family and friends. His smile and laugh would help lift the spirits of those around him.

He is survived by his mother, Naomi D. Clounch (Eugene Jr.); sons, Jeffrey Cole (Ramona), Glendale, Calif., and Jared M. Graham, Van Nuys, Calif.; daughter, Jennifer M. Graham, Van Nuys, Calif.; siblings, Paul A. Graham Jr. (Rondalyn), Los Angeles, Calif., William R. Graham (Glenda), Fort Scott, Kan., Thurman D. Graham (Ida), St. Louis, Mo., Dr. Teresa L. Clounch, Baldwin City, Kan. and Gena M. Clounch (Alan Scott), Iola, Kan.; granddaughter, Brooklyn Cole, Glendale, Calif.; uncles and aunts, George W. Johnson Jr., Kansas City, Kan., Gloria Estill (Charles), Fort Worth, Texas, Kenneth Clounch, St. Louis, Mo., Ruby Forbes and Freddie Graham, both of Kansas City, Mo.; nephews and nieces, Chris Harris (Amie), Phoenix, Ariz., Tyrone (Gabrielle), Neosho, Mo., Jonathan Johnson, Chandler "Bo" Graham, both of Fort Scott, Kan., Mel Clark, St. Louis, Mo., and Tia Graham of California; and a host of cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be Saturday, Dec. 10, at 2 p.m., at Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors Chapel. Burial will be in Fort Scott National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m., at the chapel. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors.

Condolences may be shared on the funeral home's Web site: www.duaneharveyfuneraldirectors.com