Don R. Graham

Don Graham, age 90, of Lubbock Texas, passed away on October 25, 2024. Born on July 11, 1934, in Memphis Texas, to Ruby (Wade) and Robert D. Graham. Don grew up in Childress, Texas. He later moved to Amarillo where he began his banking career rolling coins in the basement of American National Bank. While working at the bank he met the love of his life, Patricia Hyatt and they were married in February of 1959.

Baptized later in life, Don was a devoted Christian and member of Southcrest Baptist Church. His hobbies included golfing, bowling, gardening, fishing, hunting, swimming, playing cards and games. 

Don had a long and successful career as a commercial loan officer at Amarillo-based American National Bank (subsequently merged into Fort Worth-based Texas American Bank), ultimately serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer. In 1987, Don was elected as the President of The First National Bank of Hereford. In 1988, The First National Bank of Hereford was acquired by FirstPerrytonBancorp (now Amarillo-based FirstBank Southwest). Don moved back to Amarillo in 1995 after being elected President of FirstBank Southwest, as well as being elected to its Board of Directors. Don retired from FirstBank Southwest in 1997 but continued to serve as Vice Chairman of the Board until 2011.

Dedicated to his community, Don served on many boards including the Independent Bankers Association of Texas, Panhandle-Plains Higher Education Authority, Amarillo Club (including service as President), The Ronald McDonald House, The Salvation Army, and The United Way of Amarillo. In 2000, Don and Pat moved to Lubbock to be closer to their grandchildren, Regan and Katie. Being a grandfather and a great-grandfather brought him great joy and fulfillment in life. He was married to his wife, Pat, for almost 60 years until her passing in 2018. Don is preceded in death by his wife and all eight of his siblings.

Don is survived by his son, Greg Graham and wife Ellen of Amarillo; daughter, Lisa Roulain and husband Don of Lubbock; grandson, Regan Pearson and wife Malori of Spring; granddaughter, Katie Hill and husband Boone of Lubbock; and great-grandchildren Ryder, Griffin, Sterling, and Braelynn. Also dear to him were his sister-in-law, Sonja Graham, his beloved friend, Beverly Eubanks, the Shawn Stewart family, the co-workers and colleagues he mentored, a loving Sunday School class, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family of Don Graham will host a gathering of family and friends at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at Southcrest Baptist Church in Lubbock. A memorial service will follow at 10:00 AM, officiated by his dear friend, Calvin Gray. Don will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to family, community, and the many lives he touched.