Edward Grauman

Edward Grauman, a long-time resident of Helena, Arkansas and retired Municipal Judge, died at his home in Memphis, Tennessee where he retired in 2006. Funeral services will be held at Beth El Heritage Hall, 405 Perry St., Helena, Arkansas on Monday, September 25th at 10:30 a.m., with burial to follow at Beth El Cemetery, Holly Street, Helena. After burial, the family invites friends and visitors to join them at Heritage Hall for a luncheon reception. Ed's wife of 33 years, Dorothy Ann "Dottie" Grauman of Helena, and his later companion, Ruthe Handleman of Memphis, predeceased him. His is survived by loving cousins with whom he had special bonds. Edward Grauman was the son of Helena residents Louis Kahn and Elizabeth Gronauer Grauman, and was born on April 12, 1931. He grew up in a three-generational household, with additional family around the corner. He graduated from Helena High School in 1950, and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in 1954. In 1957, he received his JD degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law. Ed returned to Helena where he practiced law and joined his father in the Grauman Cotton Company, established by his grandfather in 1909. He became a successful cotton broker while running the family farms and continuing to practice law. Ed married Dottie in 1970. They enjoyed an active social life with wonderful friends in Helena. They were avid bridge players, and Dottie matched her skills in the kitchen with Ed's on the grill. In 1973, Governor Dale Bumpers appointed Ed as Municipal (now called District) Judge of Helena, filling a vacancy at the time. Subsequently elected to the position, Judge Grauman served for 18 years and was active in the Arkansas District Judges Council and the State Bar Association. As a dedicated citizen of Helena and Phillips County, Ed wanted to promote educational advancement and religious pluralism and tolerance. He was honored as a member of the Arkansas Community Foundation Diamond Society for his establishment of a nursing scholarship and other endowments in his wife's name (she was a nurse and nursing instructor). Ed was a life-long active member of Temple Beth El in Helena, helping to lead services when the congregation was too small for a rabbi. Ed was a member of the board of the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL). He was a Past Master of Lafayette Lodge #189 and a 32 Degree Scottish Rite Mason. After retiring to Memphis, Ed enjoyed a lively life at Town Village. He will be remembered for his love of family and community, matched with a strength, independence and respect for the rights of all to happiness and dignity. No flowers, please. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to: Phillips County Community Foundation, philliipscounty@arcf.org, P.O. Box 2503, West Helena, Ark. 72390: Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life, ISJL.org, P.O. Box 16528, Jackson, Miss. 39236: Temple Israel, timemphis.org, 1376 East Massey Road, Memphis, Tenn. 38120: Temple Beth El Cemetery Endowment Fund, c/o Billings Bookkeeping, 302 Cherry St., #404, Helena, Ark. 72342. Service will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.