Gregory Oran Grafton, 58, Rio Rancho, New Mexico surrounded by his family passed away on June 1, 2015 in Indianapolis, IN after a long struggle with Leukemia. Husband, Dad, Brother, Son, and Friend, Greg Grafton has always been a hardworking, generous person, and always willing to help others. He was a Registered Nurse, whose career spanned over thirty years, working in Texas, New Mexico, and South Carolina. His specialty was Geriatric Psychiatric care and was most recently with Telecare Management, Inc. a Hospital Management Company in Alameda, CA. Greg, one of Six Sons, born to Stan and Darlene (Besing) Grafton of Evansville, on December 16, 1956 at RAF Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire, England. As the son of a career Air Force officer, Greg had the opportunity to live in many places, including England, Texas, Guam, California, Indiana, Michigan, and Nebraska. He was active in Boy Scouts as a youth, obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Bellevue High School in Bellevue Nebraska and attended the University of Evansville earning a BS degree in English Literature. He had nursing degrees from San Antonio Community College and the University of Texas at Arlington. In addition, he had a Master’s in Heath Care Administration and a Master’s in Business Administration from Webster University, St. Louis, MO. Married to Cynthia Anne Smith on May 14, 1983 in Von Ormy, Texas, they enjoyed a loving relationship for 32 years. Children include; Travis and Beth Smith of Topeka, KS, grandchildren Quincy, Finley, and Harper; Gunnery Sergeant Aaron and Carrie Smith, United States Embassy, Benin, Africa, grandchildren Bella, Emma and Colt; Zoe Grafton and Paul Damon, Rio Rancho, NM, grandchild Zade. He is survived by his mother Darlene (Besing) Grafton, Evansville, and five brothers. His father, Stan Grafton preceded him in death. His brothers include: Kemit and Jeanette Grafton, Oklahoma City, OK; Brent and Bonnie Grafton, Evansville, Mark and Sonya Grafton, Virginia Beach, VA, Rod Grafton, Evansville, and Tad and Lynette Grafton, Indianapolis. Aunt Jane (Grafton) and Uncle Jerry Purdie of Evansville. In addition, Cindy’s family including mother Marianne Biesenbach, Rio Rancho, NM, brother Mark and Connie Smith, College Station, TX, sister Stephanie and Tom Shine, Ponderosa, NM and sister, Patricia Beach, who preceded him in death. Cindy’s father, Manor Smith preceded him in death. He has 33 nieces and nephews. In addition to his work, Greg enjoyed serving as a judge in national Home Brewing association events, gourmet cooking, and reading. When asked near the end how his heart was, his answer was “that it was full of love”.The family will have a private celebration of Greg’s life with burial in New Mexico. The family request that in lieu of flowers, donation be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 9075 N. Meridian, Suite 150, Indianapolis, IN 46260, Phone 317-860-3840. Special thanks to the Doctors and staff at the St. Francis Bone Marrow Transplant Unit in Indianapolis for providing loving and compassionate care during his treatment for Leukemia. Greg we will miss you and always carry your memory in our hearts.
