Kenneth "Kenny" R. Grafton

Kenneth, "Kenny" Grafton, (93), of Bel Air, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 19, 2014. He was born on January 21, 1921 in Forest Hill, MD to Willard and Dorothy Grafton (Redfern). He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Iryl (Copeland-Shields), of 43 years who died July 21, 2009 and three brothers, Keith, Darrell, and Richard and a son, Jay Kevin Shields. He is survived by his sister, Martha Lee Grafton of Forest Hill, his daughter, Pam Sturgill of Bel Air, his grandchild, Angela Sturgill, and great granddaughter, Arrianna.

As a child and a young man, Kenny worked the family farm located on Chestnut Hill Road in Forest Hill. It was primarily a dairy farm and also produced seasonal vegetables especially tomatoes. He is a graduate of Bel Air High School in the Class of 1939. In 1943 entered the US Army. Kenny served as a communications chief and participated in the African and European campaigns in 1944-1945. He returned to civilian life and was employed by Western Auto and became a civilian employee at the Aberdeen Proving Ground and the former Edgewood Arsenal serving as a space utilization officer. Kenny served on the committee to place a time capsule at the Aberdeen Proving Ground. After his retirement from Federal service he worked for the Town of Bel Air. Kenny was a member and past president of the Izaak Walton League. For many years, Kenny was an avid fisherman and hunter. He and Jim Thomas served as co-chairs and were responsible for the funding and building of the fishing pier in Harford Glen. Kenny taught fishing to many young campers from Harford and Baltimore counties who attended the league's Fresh Air Camp in the 1960's and 1970's. Kenny also served as the coordinator for League's annual gun show and was the Chair of the awards committee.

In 1984 he recognized that Harford County and the Town of Bel Air did not have a war memorial to honor service personnel who died in service of their country. Out of great love for his brother, SGT Keith Grafton who was killed in action in 1944, and his fellow Harford County veterans, Kenny started the project to erect a memorial with the support of Harford Post #39, Department of Maryland, and American Legion. Working with the Town of Bel Air and many fellow veterans, they identified 230 veterans who are listed on the memorial and served in World War I, World War II, Korean War, and the Viet Nam Conflict. With the support and assistance of the Harford County American Legion Posts, the businesses, the Town of Bel Air, and the generosity of the Felix and Maye Irwin Family who donated the stone, the War Memorial was erected on the grounds of the Town of Bel Air at the corner of Hickory Avenue and Lee Street. On May 27, 1985 Harford Post #39 dedicated the memorial and conducted the first Memorial Day ceremony honoring our nation's and county's fallen heroes. Kenny served as the Master of Ceremonies until 1993. Kenny was also active in the town serving on the Fourth of July committee. Today, Harford Post #39 and other veteran organizations conduct the traditional Memorial Day Ceremony and participate in the town's July 4th morning opening ceremony and evening parade. Kenny was a member of Harford Post #39, Department of Maryland, American Legion for 44 continuous years and an Honorary Life member.

Kenny was a congregant of the Deer Creek United Methodist Church. He was an active member attending services from childhood until his death. He served as the past president of the church's cemetery trust committee. Kenny had a great love for his beloved church and his fellow congregants.

Kenny will be remembered as a person who loved and served his God and country. He was always there for family and friends. He supported many charitable organizations and will be remembered as a caring person who loved the less fortunate and who visited the sick and shut-ins.

The Rev. Shannon Sullivan will officiate the funeral service that will be held Saturday, 10:30 AM, August 23, 2014 at the Deer Creek United Methodist Church, 2729 Chestnut Hill Road, Forest Hill. Burial with military honors will be in the Deer Creek United Methodist Church cemetery. Friends may call at the
McComas Funeral Home on 50 West Broadway, Bel Air, Friday, August 22, from 3:00-5:00 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM. Harford Post #39, American Legion will conduct a Farewell Comrade Ceremony at 7:30 PM, Friday to honor Kenny.

Memorial contributions may be made to Deer Creek United Methodist Church in Forest Hill or Harford Post #39, 500 Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, MD 21014.