Graham, Officer Kyle SJPD 1984-2024 St. Joseph, Mo.
By NewsPress Now
Officer Kyle Graham, 40, of the St. Joseph Police Department, passed away on May 30, 2024, in Agency, Missouri. Described as righteous and admirable, Kyle lived his life as a testament to the values of duty, honor, and integrity. He was many things to many people: a dedicated public servant, steadfast protector, cherished friend, and devoted family man.
Born on May 8, 1984, Kyle spent his formative years in rural Northboro, Iowa, graduating from South Page High School in 2002. Growing up as part of a close-knit family, Kyle enjoyed hunting, Boy Scouts, and the outdoors with his dad. He and his mom had a special bond sharing a passion for cinema, including movie binging. While Kyle and his sister, Kami, had their own brother-sister sense of humor and uncanny ability to tell stories in a way everyone laughed and felt they were there.
Following in the footsteps of his grandfathers before him, Kyle’s sense of duty led him to a career in the infantry. Kyle enthusiastically enlisted in the United States Army in 2002. He was a beacon of strength and proudly served in Bravo Company 2-22 Infantry, as part of the 10th Mountain Division. With his military brothers alongside him, he participated in multiple campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq, enduring three combat tours abroad. Kyle was awarded a number of accolades during his time of service, most notably, two bronze star medals for meritorious service and heroism. He honorably exited the military in 2009. Demonstrating his ongoing commitment to the country, Kyle continued serving as a Captain in the Army Reserves as an Intelligence Officer with the 209th Regional Support Group.
During Kyle’s active duty, he was reconnected with childhood friend, Hannah Coy. As adults, their friendship evolved into courtship as they spent hours talking about all aspects of their lives. This was a recognized change for Kyle, who was typically a man of few words, and an outward sign of their blossoming love. Kyle and Hannah were engaged and married soon after. Their 2008 wedding day was a joyous and memorable occasion. With deep commitment to service, Kyle returned to his duties the next morning.
From Kyle and Hannah’s union, three beautiful children were born, Kenna, Logan and Laurel. Kyle was a loving and devoted father instilling the values of courage, integrity, and love. One of his favorite pastimes was spending time with his children and playing “their” special games through which he passed along his humor and fun quirks. Each child carries forward a part of Kyle in their own special way. Kenna mirrors Kyle’s drive, ambition, and rigor; Logan shares his expansive tactical knowledge and zest for the outdoors; and Laurel has his intuitive, creative spirit.
Building a home for his family, Kyle earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Missouri Western State University in 2012. His education in combination with bravery and leadership gained from the Army led him to nobly serve as a member of the St. Joseph Police Department for nearly a decade, honorably serving as a Patrol Officer and Marksmen for the Special Response Team.
Kyle’s legacy extends beyond the countless communities he protected, his vast military service, and his loving role as husband, father, son, brother, and friend. Kyle will forever be remembered by all who knew him for embodying strength and courage and having an unwavering willingness to sacrifice for others.
Left to honor Kyle’s memory is his wife, Hannah (Coy), whom he married Jan. 15, 2008; and their children, Kenna, Logan, and Laurel; his parents, Ronald and Julie (Cutler) Graham; sister, Kameron Johnson (Brandon); mother-in-law, Cristi Coy; brothers-in-law, Jarod (Amy) and Samuel Coy (Whitney); sister-in-law, Hilary Miller (Adam); and grandparents, Iva Jean Cutler and Kenneth Graham; his Veteran brothers in arms and his law enforcement family, still on watch. He will also be lovingly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
Preceding him in death are his father-in-law, Jim Coy; and grandparents, Peggy Graham and Neil Cutler.
To these family members and countless others and many friends, Kyle wore many hats. Whether he was donning a uniform or rocking his converse, he excelled with unmatched conviction. Officer Kyle Graham’s passing is a heartbreaking loss for his family and community. His memory and spirit will be cherished by strangers and loved ones alike and will continue to inspire all who were fortunate to know or be touched by him.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10 a.m. Monday, June 10, Word of Life Church. Committal Service Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 9, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a dedicated account for his children’s future at Nodaway Valley Bank to honor Kyle’s memory and his enduring legacy of service and love.
Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
