Byron L. Graham,

A Mesquite Police Officer and his family were killed on Monday when their private plane crashed after a failed take-off in Point Lookout, Mo.The plane that crashed was a 1969 Piper PA 32-300.It is a single-engine aircraft that holds a maximum of six people and a maximum 50 gallons of fuel.Its top speed is 180 miles per hour.FAA records show that Steve Buchanan and Byron Graham were the co-owners of the plane. The occupants have been identified as Byron Graham (37) a Mesquite Police Officer, his wife Lezli Graham (37), who has previously been recognized as an accomplished soccer coach and currently a teacher at Summit High School in Mansfield, TX; Mrs. Graham's father Stephen Buchanan (60) a 33 year veteran and retired Captain with the Dallas Fire Department; the Graham's two children, daughter Kasey (14) a promising soccer star, and Cade (3). Byron, known to his family and childhood friends as "BJ", was a former resident of Pilot Point, TX and a 1985 graduate of Cameron, TX High School.He attended Texas A&M University on a football scholarship until an injury ended his athletic career.While at Texas A&M, he met Lezli Buchanan, an accomplished soccer player at Texas A&M.After leaving Texas A&M Byron served in the US Navy training as a SEAL.While in the Navy, Byron was joined in marriage with Lezli in 1989.In 1990 he was injured in a training exercise in the Navy, and returned with his family to the DFW Metroplex with an honorable discharge, where he went to work with the Mesquite Police Department which he served for 11 years.During his career with the Mesquite Police Department, he received 16 commendations, including two life-saving awards. Members of the mesquite Police Department have told family members how loved Byron was by his co-workers and friends.Byron was a "people person who gave above and beyond the normal realm."He was lovingly referred to as the "Gentle Giant" and a model officer who was candid and generous, frequently flying cancer patients to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston at his own expense. "He always had the utmost integrity," Officer Shawn Hanley said."He was forever offering his time, his money, and all of his talent to the betterment of people."Lt. Bill Artesi, a department spokesman, said he "was about as big a family man as you can get.He was always talking about his family."He responded to calls where one of the officers requested back-up.If he heard you, you could count on him being there. Family members lovingly refer to the humorous side of Byron.He was funny, and made those around him laugh.He was a very intelligent man, full of vigor for life and love for his family and friends.Byron managed to fill his life full of adventure that included his family, that's just the way he was. Byron built a strong relationship with Lezli's father, Stephen Buchanan, and they often shared ventures and adventures together as a family.Mr. Buchanan was a Captain with the Dallas Fire Department where he retired after 33 years of service in 1996 from Station 42 "A" Shift, near Love Field.After retiring from DFD, Buchanan moved to Mount Pleasant where he was instrumental in organizing the Sugar Hill Volunteer Fire Department serving as Chief from 2000-2003.Buchanan moved back to the Metroplex in 2003 to be closer to his family, and was usually in attendance to any function where they participated. "The Sugar Hill community and volunteer fire department is in mourning with the family due to the loss of Stephen Buchanan and his family.Stephen played a major role in organizing and forming the Sugar Hill Volunteer Fire Department," said Sugar Hill Volunteer Fire Department President Lavonne Hearron.Buchanan served as chief of the department from January 2000 to July 2003 when he resigned to move closer to his family.According to Hearron, "He was instrumental in providing the ground work for the Sugar Hill Volunteer Fire Department, and in getting our Engine 20.After moving, he still supported the department by obtaining breathing apparatus and other items the department needed.He will be greatly missed and our prayers and thoughts are with his family." During their lives in DFW, the Graham's brought two children into their world.The oldest, Kasey, was recognized as a rising soccer star and formerly attended T.A. Howard Middle School where she was recognized as an athlete, Honor Student, and leader.She was entering her freshman year at Summit High School in the Mansfield School District in the fall.Cade, their 3 year old son, was known for his ability to be noticed and his uncanny ability to steal the hearts of those who ever saw him.He was "his father's son", and inseparably by his side, accomplishments proudly acknowledged by his family. Byron was preceded in death by his father, Byron L. Graham.Surviving are his mother Mary Worsham Graham of Collinsville, sisters Marilyn Alexander and her husband Ronnie of Pilot Point, TX and their daughters Courtney and Channing; Judy Wilcox and her husband Ed of Cameron, TX, and their daughters Penny and Julie and son Peter. And they left many other loving family members. The family will receive friends at the Family Cathedral of Praise Church, 790 Windbell Circle, Mesquite, TX, on August 9, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Services will be 1:00 pm on Tuesday, August 10, at the Family Cathedral of Praise Church. A memorial fund has been established: "The Graham/Buchanan Memorial Fund". Mesquite Credit Union 1510 N Galloway Ave Mesquite, TX 75149 (972) 285-8951