David Earl Graden

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David E Graden

David E. Graden, age 77 of Coalton, Illinois passed away on Tuesday May 11, 2021 at his residence with his wife and children by his side, along with grandchildren and extended family and friends in attendance.  

David was the son, grandson and great-grandson of farmers living in Audubon township since 1856.  David Earl was born July 4, 1943 to Gilbert and Louise (Davis) Graden in Hillsboro, Illinois.   He was their third son and enjoyed a full childhood on the farm with his three brothers, Jerry, Denny and Chuck.  He graduated from Nokomis High School in 1961 where he played football and held the school record for most solo tackles in a game for two years before his brother Chuck broke his record.   He also earned numerous ribbons and trophies in competition with his horse Whistling Curt. He attended SIU in Carbondale and managed many of the livestock programs there while earning a degree in agriculture.  

While attending SIU, he met his wife Janet (Yarbrough) on the day JFK was assassinated and their adventure together began.   They married on a very hot day on July 16, 1966 at First Baptist Church in Nokomis, Illinois and have enjoyed nearly 55 years as partners in life.  

Dave and Janet have 4 children: Harrison John “Skip” Graden of Nokomis (deceased), Julia and Donald Arndt of Collinsville, Jeannine Graden of Phoenix, Arizona and Andrew and Tami Graden of Nokomis.  

His grandchildren include Shon Graden, Merissa and Eric Smay, Ezekiel, Grace, and Nehemiah Arndt, and Owen Foster, Natalie and William Graden.  He also loved Sophia Brookshire.  

He was great-grandfather to Robert, Eragon and Atreyu Smay with a great-granddaughter expected in September. 

Dave is also survived by Gerald Graden of Litchfield, Dennis and Irene Graden of Hillsboro, Charles and Marinel Graden of Nokomis; in-laws Marcia Thornton of Nokomis, Joseph and Diane Yarbrough of East Lansing, Michigan, and John Yarbrough of Fishers, Indiana as well as many loved nephews and nieces.  

Dave loved his family.  He loved to tell stories and jokes, singing and listening to country songs, and followed politics and Cardinal baseball closely.  He enjoyed camping trips, fishing, hunting, vacations and playing cards with his children, grandchildren and extended family.  He is fondly remembered as Uncle Dave by his nephews and nieces and each have a story where he helped them and taught them something about life.  

He held many jobs and vocations over the years including farming, livestock manager, county extension, insurance broker, seed salesman, 5th grade teacher, coach and a meat inspector for the state of Illinois.  

Above all, Dave had an abiding faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and he was looking forward to the day of his death as it meant he would then be in the presence of his Savior and enjoying a great reunion with many of his beloved family members and friends who have gone on before.  

Funeral services will be held on Saturday May 15, at 11:00 am at The First Baptist Church of Nokomis with burial in Craig Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 at the church preceding the service.

Memorials are suggested in lieu of flowers and may be made to First Baptist Church or Nokomis Quarterback Club.  

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