DANIEL J. GRAFTON

Daniel Grafton, 89, of Freedom Township, passed away Thursday July 25, 2024. Born in Hammondsville(Brush Creek), Jefferson County Ohio October 6, 1934 to Daniel E. and Verna E. (Householder) Grafton. Grandson of Frank R. and Mary Edna (Shirley) Grafton; and James F. and Hannah L. (Noling) Householder. 

The family moved to Windham, Ohio for Dan's parents to find work in the Ravenna Arsenal in 1941. At the age of 16, Dan went to work there carrying sand in a wheelbarrow for millwrights. After 12 years of schooling in the Windham School System, Dan graduated in 1953 and lost little time finding employment. He started at the Ford Motor Company and later was employed at Chrysler Twinsburg Stamping Plant working as a welder repairman when he retired in 2002 after 45 years of service.  

Dan was very committed to his community and coached the Freedom Hot Stove Baseball League and went on to become president for over 20 years. Dan loved working with children; he said, “If they played ball they wouldn't have time to get into trouble.” He spent many evenings pheasant hunting with Paul Rathbun at his home in Freedom. Dan and Barb were avid bowlers at Sky Lane Bowling Alley in Garrettsville, Ohio. Most recently he spent several years helping to restore the Drakesburg School House in Freedom, Ohio.  

Dan is survived by his children Deborah Kidd, Danny (Pam), Donald (Rose), and Dale (Luetta) Grafton; grandchildren Christopher, Aleah, Kaylee, and William Grafton; great-grandchildren Aerreona; Brothers John (Trudy), and David Grafton; sister Mary Grafton Jennings and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Barbara (Strawman) Grafton; infant daughter Priscilla; his parents; brother Carl & sister Helen Grafton.  

Please join Dan’s family for a visitation on Saturday, August 3, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with a brief memorial service to honor Dan’s life at Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home 8382 Center Street, Garrettsville, OH 44231. Burial will follow at Drakesburg Cemetery, Freedom OH.