Berton R. Graham's Obituary
Berton R. Graham, 88, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 5, 2025, in Dallas, Texas.
Born on April 17, 1937, in Groveton, Texas, Bert grew up with his sister Bonnie in piney East Texas. They were raised by their parents Velma and Rex Graham. After his father died when Bert was only 17, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, where he served honorably as an electronics technician and Petty Officer First Class.
Following his military service, Bert attended Ohio State University on the G.I. Bill, becoming the first in his family to graduate from college. It was at Ohio State that he met his wife of 45 years, Mintze. Bert began his career at GTE, where he worked as a sales manager. He later co-founded Buckeye Photo & Photography with Mintze, and in the early 1990s established A&H Insurance in Plano, TX.
At A&H, he was known for his welcoming smile, and always encouraging his employees to advance in their education & careers as far as possible. The business was successful, well-regarded in the community he served, and supported the family through the years. Bert loved traveling with his family and especially his beloved wife Mintze, journeying extensively together, visiting over 20 countries and 30 states.
In his later years, he converted to Buddhism and joined Mintze at the International Buddhist Progress Society, Dallas Chapter, where he studied the sutras diligently and volunteered regularly at the Chinese school & daycare his wife founded. Berton was renowned for his kindness, positive outlook, and warm smile. He was especially proud of his children's accomplishments: his son Randall, a Stanford-educated neurosurgeon, and his daughter René, a Rice University-educated architect.
He is survived by his wife Mintze Graham; his children Randall Graham and René Graham; and his beloved grandchildren Elise, Grayson, Isla, and Aurelia. Services will be held on September 6, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas, with viewing beginning at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the IBPS Dallas Chapter in memory of Bert as the Graham family motto instructs: 'Ne oublie' - do not forget.
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