Todd Lewis Graham

Todd was born on October 31, 1945 to John and Betty Graham. He grew up in North Omaha with two younger siblings, a brother John with whom he had many nefarious escapades, and a sister Judy who is seven years younger. Todd's early years were spent playing softball daily from age 8 or 9. He continued playing softball, mainly as the pitcher or occasional short stop, until his late 30's. He also enjoyed hunting, basketball, volleyball, and flag football. In his later years he played tennis and golf. At age 15 he met Ginger Carlson who was 14 at the time. Their first "date" was riding their bikes to an ice cream place. He bought two cones. While trying to make conversation he got distracted and spilled his ice cream. The look on his face was embarrassment and surprise. Ginger was absolutely smitten by his sheepish look. Thus began a relationship that endured from 1960 until his passing on October 27,2023 just two months before their 59th anniversary. Todd and Ginger were married in 1964 right after graduating high school. They started their family quickly, eventually adding four children to the household. Rodd, Russ, Randy and much later a daughter, Rebecca. The family life revolved around church, school, piano, sports and building a new home three times in the Elkhorn area with the help of his wife, sons and son-in- law. Later the family was blessed to add Rodd's wife, Lynn, along with their three children Rachel, Rebecca, Ryan; Russ' wife Debbie; Randy's wife, Chantel and daughter, Kai; Rebecca's husband, Jens, and their children Eve, Ivan and Ellen. In 2004 Rebecca and her family purchased and now reside in the home of her childhood. Todd and the family built that home in 1984. Todd and Ginger happily make many extended stays in their former home with Rebecca, Jens and the kids. Todd was gifted to be able to make lifelong friends whom he really loved. He was a quiet, humble man but firmly stood for his convictions. Always more of a listener than talker. He has been able to visit many of his friends in the past two and half months he and Ginger have been in Nebraska. That was a real joy and blessing for him. Todd was a very hard worker. Todd built many houses while working in construction and later went to work for Boone Brothers Roofing, where he worked 40 years securing business for the company. He loved the company, the people, the work and the competition of the industry. Todd retired in 2018 and they moved to Arizona. He was seeking a warm environment and wanted to play golf. He met many men who became close friends and joined a Friday morning Bible study with some of them. They found a church home in Christ's Church of the Valley, CCV. Todd and Ginger enjoyed travel all over the USA, Europe and more. Their trip to beautiful New Zealand in 2019 was a life highlight. Todd drove 2,000 miles on the wrong side of the road without any problems apart from misguidance from Ginger now and then. That same year they enjoyed a 3,000 mile road trip including visiting The Creation Museum, The Ark, Vanderbilt Castle, The Billy Graham Library, The Great Smoky Mountains, Graceland, a high school friend, some roofing friends and his sister and family. Last week Todd and Ginger took a five hour drive around Omaha visiting every place they ever lived, all the places they enjoyed going over the years as well as their schools and where they were married. Ice cream was very important in their lives so stopping at Zestos was a must! It was so much fun and a wonderful trip down memory lane! And now a blessed memory. Todd contracted Covid in February 2022. He very nearly died but God was merciful and brought him through. While he worked hard to get stronger he no longer could live the life he loved. In spite of it he kept a really good attitude and a sense of humor. He was very easy to care for. He passed away peacefully and quite unexpectedly at home in Elkhorn. He is and always will be greatly missed! Todd's life verse is Philippians 2:4-5 "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. He truly embodied this verse. His favorite verse is Philippians 1:6 "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Todd attended a Billy Graham crusade in 1964 in Omaha where he heard the gospel that Jesus died for our sins but that he needed to act on that knowledge and ask Jesus to be his Lord and Savior. He was excited to meet Billy Graham and thank him for preaching the gospel and helping him secure eternal life in heaven with Jesus. Praise God! He is there now with Rodd; Rodd's wife, Lynn; sister in law, Nancy; brother in law, Butch; and a host of friends but best of all he is fully healed and with Jesus! Todd was preceded in death by their son Rodd (2022) and his wife Lynn (2020) as well as his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife of over 58 years, Ginger, his children; Russ (Debbie), Randy (Chantel), Rebecca (Jens) Gregory and grandchildren Rachel, Rebecca, and Ryan Graham, Kai Graham, and Eve, Ivan and Ellen Gregory, brother John Graham, sister; Judy Huffman and extended family. If you are unable to attend the service, the service will be webcasted on the link under the tribute wall tab or the photos & video tab on our website beginning at 11:00am Thursday.

Todd Lewis Graham

October 31, 1945 - October 27, 2023