The Rev. Michael “Wayne” Graham, 65, of Chicago Road, Niles died at 7:20 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 1, 2010 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in Saint Joseph, Mich. following a brief illness.

The Rev. Graham was born June 13, 1945 in Niles to Joseph and Martha Graham. He lived here all his life, graduated from Niles High School and attended Ferris State University. He retired from Buchanan Community Schools and previously served as an officer of the Michigan State Police at the post in New Buffalo, Mich.

The Rev. Graham was the pastor at Abundant Life Fellowship in South Bend. He was also involved in syndicated radio ministries including “One on One” and “Gospel Classics,” some of which were broadcast from the WNIL radio studio in Niles. These shows broadcast across the country and Europe, and won national awards. He was also able to promote independent artists through the shows.

He enjoyed riding motorcycles and walking at Madeline Bertrand Park, where he knew all the staff. He loved his old-time radio programs collection.

On April 9, 1977 in Niles, he married the former Kathy Lou Brodersen, who survives. He is also survived by Kathy’s sisters, Sue (Gary) Shelton, of Jones, Mich., Sharon (Pastor Larry) Lovell, of Vernon, Texas and Karen Tolliver, of Dowagiac; three nieces; three nephews; nine great-nephews; and three great-nieces.

He was preceded in death by his half-brother, Wally Bowerman and great-nephew, Jamie Deuel, who died in 1975.

Funeral services for the Rev. Michael “Wayne” Graham will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010 at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with Assistant Pastor Dave Spurlock of Abundant Life Fellowship officiating.

Interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive friends and relatives beginning at noon Thursday at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of the Rev. Graham may be made to Madeline Bertrand Park or Lakeland Hospice, St. Joseph.