Thomas E. Graham, 84 of Bristol, IN, passed away Friday, June 12, 2026. He was born November 3, 1941, to Lyle and Edna (Lute) Graham. Tom graduated from Valparaiso High School and proudly served in the United States Army Reserves. From 1974-1982, Tom worked for Coachmen Industries in various capacities over the years eventually serving as President.
In April of 1986, in true Tom fashion, he decided to pursue his dream of owning his own business. Tom owned and operated Plastic Components Inc. in Elkhart, IN from 1986-2022. It was a pinnacle achievement in Tom’s life. Tom’s passion was working with customers, taking orders and working with dedicated employees to design and develop plastic parts. Tom was a hardworking and determined man, who knew what he wanted and made it happen. When he wasn’t working, Tom enjoyed boating, anything outside, and spending time with family and friends at the cabin in Tennessee.
Tom is survived by his three daughters: Kimberly Ottavi of Florida, Michele (Michael Wisniewski) Harris of Florida, and Christine (Timothy) Grauel of Granger, Indiana; grandchildren: Zachary (Brianna) Ottavi, Alexis (Trenton) Ottavi, Mackenzie Cherry, Mia Grauel, Molly (Frazier Tirikos) Grauel, and Emma Grauel; and special friend, Irene. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Judith Dobbins.
A committal service will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 1:30 PM CDT at Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso, IN, in the mausoleum chapel. A celebration of life to follow in the Fall of 2026 at the Cabin.
GUESTBOOK
Our prayers and condolences for the family . We will miss seeing Tom’s gentle smile .. God be with you all.. -Gene & Pat Drader
A true friend that will be missed. God rest his soul and prayers for his family. -Lynda Awald
My deepest condolences to your family. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. -Karen L. Hill
On behalf of everyone at Plastic Components, we offer our sincere condolences to Tom's family and friends. Tom's hard work, vision, and leadership built far more than a successful company. He created opportunities for employees, supported families, and established a foundation that continues to have a positive impact today. The values he instilled remain an important part of the company he built. Those who had the privilege of working with Tom will remember his dedication, his commitment to the business, and the lasting influence he had on so many people throughout the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Tom's legacy will continue to be felt for many years to come. —The Plastic Components Team -Barry Pippin
Our heartfelt condolences to his family, Tom was a wonderful man and a great friend, we could always count on him to keep us laughing. He will be greatly missed. -Doris Preston Howard Preston
On behalf of the Futurex Team, I want to extend heartfelt condolences to the family during this difficult time. It was a pleasure working with Tom through the years. -Tami Davies
-Shawn, Jennifer, Seamus, Liam and John O’Brien
Offering the entire Graham family and friends my heartfelt sympathy. May he Rest in Peace. -Audrey Clausen
