William Robert Graf, Born Dec. 19, 1923 in Clovis, N.M. to William Robert Graf Sr. and Alverta F. Gilham Graf, a lifelong farmer and cattleman, passed away Nov. 5, 2012 at his home in rural Mancos. He served in the United States Army Corps of Engineers Aviation Battalion from March 16, 1943 until Jan. 8, 1946 and was stationed in the CBI-Pacific Theater. He married Lena Bea Mize on March 6, 1946 in Portales, N.M. They were married for 66 years, raising four sons. Robert, as he was known, served in the New Mexico National Guard for six years from 1958 until 1964. Robert was a skilled carpenter, cabinetmaker and equipment operator, and was a good neighbor to everyone he knew. He and his family moved to the Mancos Valley in 1971, where he resided until his death.
He is survived by his wife, Bea, of Mancos; sons, Gary and wife Sheila of Lewis, Del and wife Pam of Clovis, and Dee and wife Kathy of Mancos; daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Graf of Mancos;ten grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his son, Doy, of Mancos; and his grandson, Layton Todd.
A memorial service will be held Friday, Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. at the Mesa Trails Cowboy Church in Mancos.Burial will follow at the Weber Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Citizens State Bank Samora Fund at P.O. Drawer T, Cortez.
Services are under the direction of Ertel Funeral Home. For further information or to send condolences, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.
