Gratton Jackson Taliaferro

August 8, 1919 - May 14, 2012

Gratton was born at the Rollie G. White Ranch in Lightner, McCulloch County, Texas on August 8, 1919. He grew up in McCulloch County learning to ranch, ride horses and tend livestock at an early age. In his teenage years he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps to help build parks and was stationed in Arizona. He joined the U.S. Cavalry in 1941 and was assigned to work with new mounts. As the army transitioned away from horses, he volunteered for the Tank Destroyer Corps. He was involved in the invasion of France on D-Day., participated in 5 major campaigns, culminating at Berlin, Germany.

Just before joining the U.S. Army, he met the love of his life "Emma Lee." They were married on Feb. 3, 1943. Upon returning home from the war, he worked as a grocery clerk in Brady, Texas. In 1951 he moved his family to Mason, Texas and opened his own Grocery Store. During his time in Mason, he was involved in many business ventures, always including his true passion ranching. In the early 70's he was offered the opportunity of his life. He and Emma moved to Marfa, TX, where he became the foreman of a large cattle ranch. He enjoyed ranching there for some 20 years before moving back to the Hill County to be near his children and resided in Marble Falls, TX. He continued to involve himself in small ranching ventures. In 2001 he fully retired and moved Highland Haven, where he enjoyed visiting with his children, family and friends. Emma passed away in September of 2011. Gratton lived alone until moving to the Isle at Cedar Ridge, an assisted living facility Cedar Park, Texas in February of 2012.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Pearl Taliaferro and sister Norma Belle Taliaferro. He is survived by his children, Jack Taliaferro and his wife Rebecca of Cedar Park, Sue Collier and her husband Stan and Jerry Taliaferro and his wife Glenda both of Marble Falls, nine grand children and sixteen great grand children.

Graveside service was held Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Lakeland Hills Memorial Park with Greg Neill officiating. The family requests any memorials be made to the Diabetes or Kidney Foundation.

Condolences may be offered at www.clementswilcoxfuneralhome.com

Arrangements were under the direction of Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home of Marble Falls.