Bob Graf

Robert Otto “Bob” Graf June 14, 1944 – April 3, 2026

Robert Otto Graf, lovingly known as “Bob,” of Meadows Place, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026, at the age of 81, surrounded by his family.

Bob was born in Sugar Land, Texas, on June 14, 1944, to Frances and Otto Graf. Although Bob was an only child and lost his parents at a young age, family became the center of his world and his greatest source of strength throughout his life.

Bob met the love of his life, Lillian Jurena, in Houston, Texas, and they were married on June 25, 1966. They soon became a family of three and settled in the City of Meadows Place, where they built a life filled with love, faith, and community. Lillian’s strong Christian faith inspired Bob to convert to Catholicism, and together they became devoted members of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Sugar Land.

A graduate of the University of Houston, Bob earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and later earned his real estate license in 1988. Over the years, he worked for respected companies such as Burroughs, ADP, Vantage, Beretta & Company, Linkhous, Farris and Potter, before launching his own firm, Commercial Brokerage Services.

In 2001, Bob became the Economic Developer for Missouri City, where his vision and determination helped guide the city through years of meaningful growth. His commitment to community development extended beyond his professional life—he later volunteered as an economic consultant for the City of Meadows Place, providing insight and leadership that shaped the city’s future. In recognition of his impact, the city proclaimed “Bob Graf Day” on February 2, 2017.

Bob helped start and was a proud member of organizations such as the Fort Bend Executive Council, Meadows Place Economic Development Corporation, and others that reflected his dedication to collaboration, growth, and friendship. Through his work, he built countless lifelong relationships grounded in respect and warmth.

Bob also had an enduring love for sports—especially everything University of Houston Cougars. He was a loyal fan and season ticket holder since the 1960s, often attending home and away games with his longtime Cougar friends. When his children were young, his love of sports extended to coaching their teams, always cheering the loudest from the sidelines.

When he wasn’t at a game, Bob found peace in nature. He relished the adventures of whitewater rafting in Arkansas and traveling through Alaska, but his greatest joy was right in his own backyard—tending to his beloved pecan tree. Each season, he cared for it with great pride—though perhaps not as fondly for the squirrels who shared his harvest.

Bob’s love of food was another defining part of his life. He enjoyed exploring new restaurants, attending food festivals, and gathering with family for memorable crawfish boils. Ever the enthusiastic home cook, he often experimented with new recipes—though his hamburgers were humorously legendary for being cooked a bit too long and affectionately referred to as “hockey pucks.”

Bob is survived by the love of his life and soulmate, his wife of 59 years, Lillian Jurena Graf. He was a devoted and loving father to his children: Kim Foster and her husband Lonnie Foster; Kristina Garcia and her husband Rick Garcia; and Greg Graf and his wife Shelley Graf.

He cherished his role as “Papa Bob” to his beloved grandchildren: Alexis Garcia Bera and husband Kushal Bera, Alyssa Garcia, Ava Garcia, Kyler Foster, Koby Foster, Grace Graf, Owen Graf, and Henry Graf. Supporting them in their pursuits brought him endless pride and joy.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Frances Cross and Otto Graf. Bob will be remembered for his deep love of family, his unwavering devotion to community, his steadfast loyalty to the University of Houston, and the joy he found in sharing food, laughter, and life with the people he loved most. His warmth and generosity leave a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Settegast-Kopf Co at Sugar Creek, in The Morrow Chapel, located at 15015 Southwest Fwy., Sugar Land, TX, on May 2, 2026, beginning at 1:00 pm.

The family has requested that everyone wear U of H apparel or a touch of Cougar red in honor of Bob as his life is celebrated.