Houston Graf, age 78, of Richardson, Texas passed away on Sunday May 13, 2018. Henry was born Thursday October 05, 1939 in Dallas, Texas to Velma Hodges Graf and Sydney Herman Graf. He was the second youngest of nine children.
Henry grew up being referred to by his middle name, Houston, but can fondly be remember as Hooty-Baby, a nickname given to him by his sister, Elaine. He grew up in Dallas, Texas. He attended Woodrow Wilson High School. After High School he enlisted in the United States Army where he attended many Army courses. While serving in the Army he earned such medals as Marksman and Good Conduct. He was proud to be a part of Custer’s 7th Cavalry. He served his country from November 02, 1959 – November 01, 1965. After serving his country he attended college where he took trade classes. Those classes led him into his lifelong career of General Contractor.
Houston married his soul mate, Darlene Babb, Friday July 05, 1963 at West Shore Presbyterian Church Dallas, Texas. Darlene was meant to be Houston’s bride, as he met her when she was a wee two days old. He was with his sister, Jeannie, when Darlene came home from the hospital and the two of them stopped to visit the newborn. There must have been something in that first encounter, because it was destiny that the two would be together, simply said they were meant to be! The couple enjoyed 54 years and 10 months of wedded bliss, two children; Karl and Kelly, and two grandsons; Alex Houston and Kyle.
Houston was a strong Christian man. In his later years, he and Darlene followed Joel Osteen, when health reasons made them unable to attend church. He was extremely patriotic, loved his Army days, and his Country!
Houston will be remembered for being a super-optimistic individual who brought the bright-side to every occasion. He had a quick-witted sense of humor that he so graciously passed down to his children and grandchildren. He was clever and did we mention his great sense of humor? His laughter and joy will live on in the smiles of his family and friends when they fondly look back on his memories.
Houston loved fishing and traveling. His favorite place to be was near his sweetie, Darlene, at the Lake or on the road traveling. He enjoyed old movies and coaching Little League Baseball and Soccer when Karl was growing up. He also instilled a love for sports in his daughter, Kelly.
Houston is survived by his wife, Darlene Babb Graf; son Karl Houston Graf; daughter Kelly Darlene Perkins; daughter-in-law Beverly Graf; and son-in-law Marc Perkins; sister Jean Oney, sister Silver Poteete, sister Elaine Dorgan and sister Katherine Garcia; grandson Alex Houston Graf and grandson Kyle Graf.
Henry was preceded in death by; mother Velma Hodges Graf and father Sydney Herman Graf; Brother Dan Graf; Brother John Graf; Brother Roger Graf and brother Earnest Graf.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Houston's memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 US, support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Donate or to a charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.teddickeywestfuneral.com for the Graf family.
