C. Hubert Gragg

He died Jan. 7, 2019 at his home in Newcastle, OK. He was the eldest of six children. His father moved the family to the promising boomtown of Burkburnett Texas in 1922. There he met Naomi Holt. They began their 50 years of marriage on Nov. 15, 1939. As Hubert’s gas pipeline construction business grew, they moved to Oklahoma City where they raised 4 boys: sons Stephen, Philip, and Jonathan and their nephew Charles Pfeiffer, whom they considered the son of their hearts. The boys’ activities and those of their children were always a focus of Hubert’s life. He loved all his family. Nothing pleased him more than having all his siblings, their children and grandchildren and friends gathered at his home where they feasted on food from the family chefs, sang old hymns, told stories, made new memories and laughed out loud.

Hubert’s life was full of adventure, beginning with his defense of his father’s grocery store from Pretty Boy Floyd. He founded C&H Construction to take gas transmission pipelines to 28 of the 48 contiguous states and in Canada, where he built the first natural gas pipeline from Niagara to Toronto. He found himself threatened by members of organized crime in New Jersey, but did not give in to their demands. Hubert was always a serious participant in politics, was instrumental in the election of US Presidents, Oklahoma governors of both parties, and Mayors of Edmond. He was a friend to presidents and national business leaders. He served on the Oklahoma Highway Commission under three administrations. He owned property in downtown Edmond which he developed to house several retail stores, including Nomi’s Ark and Rendezvous Restaurant which he and Naomi owned and operated with Steve and his wife Saundra.

Hubert was active in local civic life as well, particularly in Edmond where he and Naomi moved in 1960. Their home was always open for political and charity events and was the scene of many family gatherings. When asked to be a sponsor, advertiser or donor to community and school events, he always helped. He was particularly interested in higher education at UCO and OSU. In 2007, OSU awarded him an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters in recognition of his service to the University.

Hubert was a 32nd Degree Mason. He was associated with that organization for 74 years; he was also a Jester and a Shriner. He contributed many hours of his time in service to the charities associated with those groups.

Hubert shared his wealth of stories (most of which were true), jokes, and laughter. He greeted everyone with a smile and kindness. He entered into everything with enthusiasm. He was an unforgettable one of a kind whose memory will long be carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Naomi, his parents, his brother Ellis, his sisters Opal Sykes and Wanda Cain, his son Stephen, his son Philip and daughter-in-law Deborah, Charles’ wife Brigitte, and his second wife Rae.

He is survived by his brothers Robert (Tressie) Gragg; brother Melvin (Bobbie) Gragg; son Jonathan and grandson Conrad Gragg; grandson Zachary (Aubry) Gragg and his children Owen, Gage and Fiona; Charles Pfeiffer, and his children Jonathan (Katharina) Pfeiffer (children Isabella and Stephen), Jennifer (Joseph) Durham (children Isa Mae and Anja), Joanna (Jeff) Gisvold (children Grant and Ruby); his daughter-in-law Saundra Gragg Naifeh; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and their children.

The family requests donations to the Gragg Memorial Endowment at UCO in lieu of flowers.

The family expresses its gratitude to Tim Ward, Hubert’s friend and neighbor of many years. Hubert was blessed to have devoted, loving and capable caregivers: Misty, Cheryl and Tabitha. They made his life better.

Services will be at Edmond First United Methodist Church, 305 East Hurd, at one o’clock p.m. on Saturday, January 12, 2019.