Roger Fulton Graham
( September 23, 1950 – August 18, 2022 )
We are heartbroken to announce the death of our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Roger Fulton Graham. He passed away on August 18, 2022.
He was born to John and Trella Graham, in Springer, NM, on September 23, 1950. Following graduation from Raton High School in 1968, he enlisted in the Army. He served in Vietnam until 1970 and returned a valorous, highly decorated Vietnam Veteran. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star with Valor, and Purple Heart after incurring shrapnel to the head during combat. Upon his return, he worked with his father and family at Graham Concrete Redi-mix. It was during this time he met his wife Layne. The two quickly fell in love and were wed on January 15, 1972. He always said she was the love of his life. Therefore, it was not long until their first child, Karleen, was born. Then, several years later, their son, William (Roger). After the birth of their second child, in 1984 he planted the seed for R. Graham Concrete Finishing LLC, which continues to be run and operated by his children. He worked extremely long hours each day as his wife and children were his first priority. It goes without saying that he was most loved and honored, a very successful and highly reputable businessman throughout northeast New Mexico.
Roger was not only well-respected and loved in the community and northeast New Mexico, he was also admired and loved deeply by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He had a huge heart of gold. He taught and enforced the importance of integrity, perseverance, and hard work to all. He also supported Tiger Athletics for over 3 decades, donated his time and contracting skills to numerous clients -without telling them- and was a lifelong member of the NRA. Mostly though, he just poured out endless amounts of love and support to each and every child, grandchild, and a great-grandchild. He loved to water and snow ski, his horses, ride his motorcycle, hunt and fishing. He loved traveling with his wife, LaRayne, and creating a beautiful life with her. Most of all, he absolutely loved each grandchild and great-grandchild more than anyone could imagine. He would tell everyone he had the best-looking grandkids… “They are all beautiful/handsome.” and “I am the luckiest papa in the whole world.”
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, John and Trella Graham, and his brother, Kenneth Graham. He is survived by his loving son William R. Graham, and wife, Stephanie. Daughter, Karleen L. Frech, and husband, Tory. Seven grandchildren: Harlee Cardini, Carson and Cleat Cucarola, Wyatt, Ethan, Myles, and Jersei Graham. Five Great-grandchildren: Ashlyn, Denton, Tobias, Canaan, and Kaiyah Cardini. Five siblings: Brother, John R. Graham, and wife, Connie; Sister, Florence Brogan; Sister, Sandra Castellini, and husband, Albert; Sister, Anna Hill, and husband, Ron; and, Sister, Sherry Johnston, and husband, Steve, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and acquaintances.
Celebration of Life will be Friday, September 16, 2022, at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church with Pastor Cory Officiating. Luncheon will follow at the Raton Convention Center.
Arrangements for Roger Fulton Graham are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
