Lewis "Brum" R. Degraff

Lewis "Brum" R. DeGraff, 87, died Friday August 17, 2018 at Manor Court of Freeport. He was born May 23, 1931 in Freeport the son of Lewis W. and Flora (Russell) DeGraff. On June 16, 1957 he married Betty Young in Forreston. Lewis was a 1949 graduate of Forreston High School and in 1953 earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University. Upon graduation, Lewis returned home to work on the farm and later in the insurance business. His job titles included Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Illinois Beef Industry Council and Executive Vice President, Illinois Livestock Association. Lewis' organizational affiliations included Trinity Lutheran Church, Lanark Masonic Lodge, Freeport Scottish Rite Bodies, Rockford Tebala Shrine, Carroll County Farm Bureau, Illinois Angus Association, American Angus Association and Northern Illinois Angus Association. His leadership activities included Carroll County Fair Beef Cattle Superintendent and President, Mid Continent Livestock Exposition Director, National Beef Promotion Advisory Committee Member, Carroll County Livestock Feeders Association President, Carroll County Agricultural Extension Council Chairman, Illinois Young Famers Advisory Council Vice Chairman, Iowa State University Judging Team Reunion Alumni Co-Chairman, Illinois Agricultural Legislative Breakfast Chairman, Northern Illinois Angus Association Director, Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs Public Relations Director, Illinois State Fair Auction Committee Member, Carroll County Fair President and Beef Superintendent, Jo-Carroll Shrine Club Director and American Royal Inter-collegiate Livestock Judging Contest Staff Official. Lewis is survived by his wife Betty of Lanark, IL; daughter Deborah (Steve) Edwards of Salisbury, MO; brother David (Carol) DeGraff of Hot Springs Village, AR; two sisters Lucia Griffith of Indianola, IA and Denise Lane of Farmington, IL; five grandchildren Aaron Edwards, Cole Edwards, Megan Edwards, Samantha DeGraff and Justin DeGraff; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his son Darrell and three brothers-in-law. Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday August 21, 2018 at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Forreston with Pastor Scott Ralston officiating. A visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 P.M. Monday August 20, 2018 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Forreston with Masonic Services starting at 7:00 P.M. Burial will be in White Oak Cemetery. A memorial has been established for Shriners Hospital for Children. Please visit and sign Lewis' guestbook at www.burketubbs.com