Tom Connally Graham

Tom Connally Graham of Austin passed peacefully shortly before sunrise on May 3, 2008. He was 74. His wife of 42 years, Lucille Kelldorf Graham and daughter, Molly A. Graham, both of Austin, survives him. Additionally, he is survived by two special individuals, both of whom he considered family and "adopted" sons, Steve Rene Hall and Said William Sabbagh, both of Austin. Born in Comanche, Texas, Tom was about life, laughter and law enforcement. He proudly served in the Navy and was an Honorably Discharged Korean War Veteran. He attended college at Howard-Payne University in Brownwood, Texas and completed his Criminal Justice Bachelor's degree at Mary Hardin Baylor in Belton, Texas. An Honorary Member of the Austin Police Retired Officer's Association, he began his career as a patrolman with the Austin Police Department, eventually establishing the credentials of Sergeant. His true passion in life was the criminal justice system, expanding his career to include various areas of law enforcement including Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, State of Texas undercover narcotics work, and State of Texas child abuse investigations and finally settling into private investigations. Forever community service oriented, Tom was also proud of his Austin Elks Lodge membership, most recently having achieved a notable 50-year member status. Tom's passions included country music (self-proclaimed number one fan of Slim Whitman), dominoes, and laughter and fun in general, and last but not least, his beloved Texas Longhorns football team. Tom had an innate ability to find humor in every day situations, always bringing light and laughter into those who were special enough to have known and befriended him. As Tom would say, "Hook 'Em!" The family would like to extend special thanks to all of our wonderful friends who have helped us through this time of tremendous and unexpected loss. Special thanks to Austin Elks Lodge #201 and Chase Bank Bee Cave/Hwy 71 branch for their compassion and assistance. The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 8, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the funeral home. A service honoring Tom's Life will be Friday, May 9, at 10:00 a.m. at Wilke-Clay-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 S. Congress Ave. Pallbearers are Steve Rene Hall, Said William Sabbagh, Bill Hart, Jason Herrera, Earl Kahanek and Willis Steed, all of Austin. Immediately after the services a celebration/reception of his passion for Life will be hosted at Austin Elks Lodge #201, 700 Dawson Rd, Austin, Texas 78704. 512-442-8535.