Bruce Graham

Bruce Graham, 72, of Oskaloosa, passed away at his home on March 12, 2026. Born on October 5, 1953, in Oskaloosa to Harold L. and Susan Lamb Graham, he graduated from Oskaloosa High School in 1971. Bruce began his working life building pole barns for Bloom Builders, Hawkeye Lumber, and Oskaloosa Builders before becoming a semi driver for Binns and Stevens. In 1981 he purchased his own truck and spent many years hauling freight for various companies, retiring in 2024 due to ill health.

On August 22, 1981, Bruce married Ana Ruth Padilla. Together they raised their son Russell. Bruce had a lifelong passion for fast cars and was especially proud of his 1970½ Z28 Camaro with the original “Breer” license plate that once left many street racers in its rear-view mirror. He remained an avid follower of drag racing and was a devoted Dale Earnhardt-era NASCAR fan. A longtime member of the Skunk River Rods, the V.F.W., and the Oskaloosa American Legion, he cherished mornings spent visiting, sharing opinions, and laughing with friends. He enjoyed working on vehicles in his garage, spending time with family and friends in the shop, always with a loyal dog nearby, and attending car shows. In his younger years he deer hunted with his family and took great pride in holding the record for the largest buck, a trophy proudly displayed in his living room. Above all, Bruce treasured time with those he loved, especially his grandson Archer.

He is survived by his wife of more than 44 years, Ana Graham of Oskaloosa; his son, Russell (Hilary) Graham of Oskaloosa; his grandson, Archer Graham of Oskaloosa; his mother, Susan Lamb-Graham of Oskaloosa; his brother, John (Nancy) Graham of Oskaloosa; his niece, Maggie (Ben) Herbst; his great-niece, Maysel Herbst; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold L. Graham.