Roll Call Tribute

Published in (Fort Worth) Star-Telegram on May 22, 2016

John L. Graham(1926 - 2016)
John L. Graham, 90, passed from this earthly life to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday, May 16, 2016. Memorial service: 10 a.m. Monday, May 23, at First Baptist Church Euless, in the small church area. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Christ's Haven, 4200 Keller Haslet Road, Keller, Texas 76244. This organization provides care and loving homes to orphaned or abandoned children. John L. Graham, "Larry," was born on March 18, 1926. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1947. He was a member of the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was also a county extension agent in Mertzen where he met the love of his life, Marie Connor. She was the piano teacher and he was the cowboy. They soon married and, a while later, moved to Uvalde where he was foreman of the Muela Creek Ranch where many sheep, goats and cattle were raised. Ranching was a true passion for him, and he also loved hunting and fishing. But, above everything, he loved his wife and children most of all. After a few years, Larry and Marie moved up to the Tarrant County area here in North Texas where they resided for over 55-plus years. During that time, Larry became a chief sanitarian for the Tarrant County Health Department and then later became the chief administrator of said agency for many years. He introduced his wife and family to all kinds of animals including sheep, goats, cattle, horses, rabbits, chickens, dogs, cats and even wild animals like deer, havelinas and more. Later in their life, Larry introduced Marie to pistol shooting. Marie soon found out that she kind of liked it, and soon became very proficient at it, many times outshooting Larry, occasionally to his chagrin. Larry had a common sense approach to life, but always with love and understanding. He always put his family as one of his highest priorities next to his God. His faith in the Lord was strong so we know we will see him again. Survivors: Loving wife of 65 years, Marie Graham; children, Dr. John Graham, Billy Graham and Joy Lira; grandchildren, Laura, Joseph, Amanda and Rob; great-grandchildren, Elijah, Micah, Emma Grace and Mason; brother, Dr. Corbett Holmgreen, and many, many close friends.