Wayne Delano Graham

Wayne D. Graham, 84, of New Castle went to be with the Lord peacefully on October 5, 2026, just days before his 85th birthday. He was born on October 14, 1941.

Wayne was a lifelong New Castle resident and a graduate of the New Castle Class of 1960. In 1964, he bravely answered the call to serve in the United States Army, where he earned the rank of Specialist Four (SP4) in the 569th Logistical Ordnance Detachment in Vietnam from 1965-1966. Wayne was an immensely proud Veteran. His service to our country, and his continuous support of the United States Military, was a significant part of the life he lived.

Wayne was a man who cherished and served his family with the same pride and bravery he had as a soldier. His greatest legacy is not found in his accomplishments, but rather in those he held dear. He met the love of his life, Violet, in 1966 and they began life’s journey together in 1968. Wayne was the proud father of three children, Wayne Graham Jr. (Hollie), Melissa (Ryan) Huckeby, and Matthew (Jennifer) Graham. He was a loving Papaw to four grandchildren, Ethan Graham, Mackayla Huckeby, Haylie Graham, and Jakob Graham. Wayne is also survived by his brother, Robert Graham, and sister, Brenda Williams, along with several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Wayne's life was also impacted by the family members who passed before him. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Goldie Graham; brothers, Wm. Paul and Carl Graham; sisters, Marilyn Dunn and Mila Graham; father and mother-in-law, Andy and Rosie Bryant; sister-in-law Diana Graham, and brothers-in-law William Dunn, David Stinnett, Chester Bryant, and Russell Bryant.

After his military service, Wayne devoted 32 years of his life to working for Chrysler and an additional 13 years at Memorial Park in New Castle. He was an avid Purdue Boilermakers and Cincinnati Reds fan. But Wayne’s greatest passion was coaching. At just 21 years of age, he began that journey with Babe Ruth baseball, and his love for helping young people continued throughout his life. He went on to coach Little League baseball and Optimist League basketball for many years. Wayne later served as Assistant Basketball Coach at Morton Memorial High School, where he shared his passion for coaching alongside his great friends, Ron and Kenny Coatie. For him, coaching was not just about the wins and losses, it was about teaching, encouraging, being present for young people, and helping them learn lessons that reached beyond the ball field or court. The relationships he developed through coaching and the lives he touched through sport helped to shape who he was.

Above all, Wayne dearly loved the Lord, he dearly loved his family, he dearly loved his friends, and he dearly loved his teams. While his passing leaves an emptiness, his life will carry on with the stories he shared, the lessons he taught and the moments he cherished.

Wayne made his years count. While leading a life well-lived, he was loved by many.

But love does not count years; it simply yearns for one more…

Wayne D. Graham; gone, far too soon, at age 84.

Services will be held at 12:00pm Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Burial will follow in Green Hills Memory Gardens with military honors provided by the New Castle American Legion and the US Army. Visitation will be from 4:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday, October 16th at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Wayne's honor may be given to the INDY Honor Flight, PO Box 10, Plainfield, IN 46168 or at www.Indyhonorflight.org. This was a cause Wayne held dear to his heart. You may express condolences or share memories of Wayne at www.hinsey-brown.com.