Bobby Max Graham

Bobby Max Graham went to be with the Lord on Monday, February 26th, surrounded by his loving family. Bobby was born on April 26th, 1944, in Pueblo, CO, to John Graham and Rita Humphry Graham. He was the baby of 7 children, five brothers and one sister, all of whom he had a special bond.

Bobby graduated from Pueblo South High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball – but basketball was his passion. Bobby started his collegiate basketball career on a full-ride scholarship to CU-Boulder, but his heart remained in Pueblo, so he transferred back to SCSC (CSU-Pueblo) and played his final three years. While at SCSC, Bobby set and held the scoring record for many years, without a three-point line, in only three years. He received many accolades during high school and college and is still considered one of the best, if not the best, basketball players to ever play in Pueblo.

His love of the game led him to his career path of teaching and coaching at his alma mater, South High School. Although his athletic prowess was legendary, his impact on those in the classroom and on the court is his true legacy. He was considered a “tough, no-nonsense coach,” but his players loved and respected him. It is common to hear, “Hey coach, thank you for…”

As most people know, his greatest accomplishment is his family. He met and married Joy Gust in 1964. Bobby and Joy have four children. His wife, kids, and family are his everything. Affectionately known as “Daddy, Bobbers, Papa, Poppy, Rodge, Rodger Dodger, Leroy, and Bud”, dad is our hero, our rock, our loudest fan, greatest supporter and the strength and foundation of our family. He loved fiercely, endlessly, and unconditionally. Papa’s sense of humor, gentle heart, and loving nature make him the cherished man we all know and love.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rita, brothers Bill, Kenny, and Dale, and sister Betty. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 60 years, Joy; son Bobby (Kathy) Graham; daughters Rhonda (Toby) Sheedy, Kristi Graham (Ty Rice), and Jackie (Travis) Heersink; 8 grandsons, Garrett (Marisa) Graham, Max Sheedy, Cole (Lauren) Sheedy, Kade Sheedy, Gaige (Claire) Graham, Gavin Graham, Owen and Luke Heersink; great-granddaughter Mila Rose Graham; brothers Jack Graham and Nick (Marva) Graham; sisters-in-law Karen Graham and Laura Graham; also survived by many special nieces, nephews and friends.

The funeral will be held at Fellowship of the Rockies on Saturday, March 9th, at 10:00 am, with a graveside service to follow at Imperial Gardens. The family will receive guests at a reception following the graveside service at the CSU-Pueblo Thunderbowl Pack House, 2265 Rawlings Blvd.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Bob Graham Legacy Scholarship through the CSU-Pueblo Foundation with Bobby Graham in the memo line. 2200 Bonforte Blvd, Pueblo, CO 81001. Questions – please email [email protected].