Richard Allen Graham age 82 of Republic died on Friday, January 11, 2019 in Spokane. He was born September 30, 1936 in Ewing, Nebraska to parents Harry and Marguerite Graham. Richard grew up in Nebraska and graduated from St. Mary's Catholic School in O'Neill. He served in the US Army with the 519th Artillery in Germany from 1956 to 1957. On October 4, 1958 he married Mary Jean Schoenle in O'Neill, Nebraska. He attended Wayne State University, studying journalism and later attended Spokane Falls Community College and Eastern Washington University. Following his love for journalism, the family moved to Wilbur, Washington in 1966 where he worked for the local newspaper. In 1969, he purchased the Republic News-Miner and the family moved to Republic where they remained. Richard enjoyed teaching/coaching children and was involved with local youth organizations, which included Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball and Cub Scouts. Richard was very community minded and a founding member of the Jaycees, which built Patterson City Park. He also was a founding member of the Booster Club which built the football and baseball fields by the high school and was a Past President of the Republic Chamber of Commerce. He was a chairman of a feasibility group for the new hospital and was also a chairman in the construction of the Middle School. He was also a member of and very involved with Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
Richard is survived by his wife Mary Jean at home in Republic, five children Stephen Lee Graham of Tacoma, Michael Allen Graham of Tacoma, Judith Anne Graham-Bilos (Denis) of Lakewood, Thomas Christopher Graham of Republic and Daniel M. Graham (Gina) of Republic, two brothers Edward and Donald of Nebraska, one sister Kay Maughan of Nebraska and three grandchildren Drake, Richard and Shania.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Mary.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2019 11:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Church in Republic with Father Ricard Semple officiating. Memorials may be donated to Ferry County Memorial Hospital or a local scholarship fund of your choice.