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Graham Jr., Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin Graham Jr., 89, of Grinnell, died Nov. 13, 2009, at Grinnell Regional Medical Center.
Ben was born Sept. 24, 1920, in Milton, Mass., to Benjamin F. and Jennie (Nelson) Graham. Ben taught in the biology department at Grinnell College for 32 years. He received his BS and MS degrees in botany from the University of Maine, where he served as chairman of the Biology Department. He did further graduate study in forestry, receiving his Ph.D. in botany from Duke University. Ben's teaching career took him to Miami (Ohio) University and Dartmouth College before coming to Grinnell College in 1959. He was instrumental in the acquisition and development of Grinnell College's Conard Environmental Research Area, a place he felt passionate about and where there is a laboratory named in his honor.
Ben served as captain in the U.S. Army's 34th and 88th Infantry Divisions during World War II. He was recalled in 1951, serving as company commander at OCS in Fort Benning, Ga.
Ben married Susanne Mallard in Sumter, S.C., on June 14, 1947. They had four children. He belonged to many professional organizations and served as director of the Iowa Academy of Science from 1981–1983. He was active in the Grinnell community, where he served on the Grinnell City Council and City Park board. He was a longtime member of Kiwanis.
Ben is survived by his wife; four children, Ben (Rosalie) of Maryville, Mo., Anne Suggs (Larry) of Cedar Rapids, David (Frank Appleton) of Ridgewood, N.J., and Jamie of Minneapolis; a nephew, Peter Graves (Sharon) of Smithville, Mo.; three grandchildren, Andrew Suggs (Stephenie), Christopher and Sarah Graham; a stepgranddaughter, Leah Whiteside; and three stepgreat-granddaughters.
The family has requested memorials be made to Grinnell's Drake Community Library or Grinnell Regional Hospice.
In keeping with the essence of his life as a scientist, Ben bequeathed his body to the University of Iowa College of Medicine. A memorial service and interment will be held at a later date.
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