Daniel C. Graham

The Rev. Daniel Clark Graham died on April 17, 2026 at Methodist Hospital in Omaha, NE. He was 83. Born in Akron, OH on May 15, 1942 to Walter and Eleanor (Pofahl) Graham, he grew up in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. The first in his family to attend college, Dan studied Bible, philosophy and psychology at Westminster College (New Wilmington, PA) and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1964. At Westminster, he met his beloved wife Judith (Peterson) Graham. They were married on June 13, 1964. In college he was involved in Campus Christian Fellowship, served as Vespers Assistant, was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity, participated in theatre productions, and contributed to a student literary magazine. Dan earned his MDiv from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 1967 and was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church USA later that year.

During his 41-year career, he served congregations in Bakersville, OH; Newcomerstown, OH; Cedarville, OH; Trenton, OH; and Grundy Center, IA. He was known for sermons that blended theological insights with personal reflection and an enduring sense of humor. The congregations he served also appreciated the gifts and graces he brought to pastoral care. Beyond his leadership of local congregations, he was elected moderator of Miami Valley Presbytery, and served on many committees, including the committees on ministry for multiple presbyteries. He was several times a delegate to Synod and General Assembly meetings of PCUSA. Throughout his career, he modeled a commitment to ecumenical cooperation, providing leadership to local ministerial associations, and leading community worship wherever he served. A dedicated volunteer leader, he served on the boards of nonprofit organizations. Dan’s public ministry extended to his writing, and he published dozens of devotional essays in local newspapers.

In 1992, he survived a “near death experience,” when he spent minutes in cardiac arrest while in the hospital. He later preached about that experience. “I saw no bright light, and I passed through no tunnel. I did not leave my body. But I did learn something from that experience. As close as I was to death, I was not afraid, not at all. I was at peace, I was calm. Somehow I felt that God was taking care of me, even in that crisis.” He modeled this testament of profound faith in God’s grace for his congregations, and for his family and friends, with humility, kindness, and good humor. In retirement, he and Judy lived for 13 years in the Arboretum Village Retirement Community in Omaha, where they were valued members of the community.

He loved reading, doing crossword puzzles, watching sports, and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. He and Judy enjoyed attending various events at the Arboretum. His family will cherish memories of his sense of humor, his kindness, and his enjoyment of learning and recounting the stories of others he encountered in life and in books.

In addition to his wife, Dan is survived by two sons and their wives: Kevin Graham and Deirdre Routt of Omaha and Jonathan Graham and Jennie Kiffmeyer of Richmond, IN as well as four grandchildren: Nora Graham (Milwaukee, WI), Ben Graham (Indianapolis, IN), Daniel Graham (St. Paul, MN), and Lizzy Graham (Muncie, IN). Other survivors include two sisters Zetta Ward (Jim) of Cuyahoga Falls, OH and Claire Goines (Joe) of Crestline, OH.

A memorial service will be held at Presbyterian Church of the Master, 10710 Corby Circle, Omaha, NE, on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Visitation is at 10:00 a.m., and the service is at 11:00 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Presbyterian Church of the Master, Immanuel Community Foundation, Westminster College (PA), or Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.