Donald D. Graham

Donald D. Graham

April 21, 1934 – July 4, 2022

Mr. Donald D. Graham was raised in the small town of O’Neill, Nebraska, and is a descendant of one of the town’s founding fathers. He attributed his business and personal success to following the Christian values ingrained during his youth in rural O’Neill.

Following a two-year stint in the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne Division, Mr. Graham resumed studies at Creighton University. In 1958, he graduated with a bachelor of science in business administration degree. A year later, he earned CPA certification from the state of Nebraska.

While at Creighton, Mr. Graham met and worked for Mr. John P. Begley. They joined a colleague in forming the CPA firm of Begley, Herbert & Graham, providing tax and business consultancy to various enterprises in the Midwest. During this time, Mr. Graham also served as an adjunct faculty member at Creighton. Although the CPA firm enjoyed great success, Mr. Graham found himself ready for a change in career focus. He chose to shift direction from providing tax services for others to more closely managing his own business interests. By carefully acquiring declining businesses, with a potential for turnaround, and investing in commercial and farm properties, Mr. Graham laid the foundation for a rewarding entrepreneurship.

Mr. Graham built a group of companies headquartered in Omaha with worldwide operations. The companies provided services in diverse industries.

Throughout his career, Mr. Graham also generously offered his time and expertise to numerous boards. For more than forty years, he freely provided financial counsel to the Benedictine Sisters in Atchison, Kansas. In Omaha, he was a leadership contributor to Omaha’s Sacred Heart School, as well as a loyal and generous supporter of Creighton University.

He is preceded in death by daughter, Peggy Clark; son-in-law, Dave Phelps; great grandson, Maverick Peitz

Survived by wife, Margery; daughter, Nancy Graham Cagle (Brad); son, Donald Graham Jr. (Karen); grandchildren: Houston Cagle (Elena), Tori Peitz (Adam), Nick Cagle, Emily Adamson (Connor), Dean Graham (Madison), Jenny and Matt Graham; great grandchildren: Nora and Holden Peitz, Naomi Cagle; sister, Kay Maughan.

Private Celebration of Life will be held.

Memorials are suggested to the Donald D. Graham Scholarship Fund for accounting students, Creighton University, P.O. Box 30282, Omaha, Ne 68103.