Harold Marcus Graf

Harold Marcus Graf, 91, of Wharton, died Saturday, April 15, 2017, in El Campo, Texas. He was born on November 19, 1925, in Bellville, Texas, to Marcus and Hedwig Schumann Graf. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Marvin R. Graf and Otis F. Graf. He is survived by his daughters Joan Graf Lockwood and her husband Stephen of Sacramento, CA, Carol Graf of Dallas, TX, and Christi Graf of Montgomery County, TX. Harold graduated from Bellville High School in 1943. He attended Texas Lutheran College, then served in the U.S. Navy before returning to his studies and earning a Bachelors degree in Agronomy from University of Houston. He worked for the USDA for many years as a Soil and Water Conservationist until his retirement in 1986. He then grew pecans full time at his farm and won many awards for them. He was widely known and consulted as an expert in orchard design and grafting. He loved working with plants and nature, and playing dominoes. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church from 1965 to his passing. He served as Church Council President and on the committee for the construction of a new educational building. Contributions in his memory can be made to the church or Texas Lutheran. We are grateful for the loving, excellent care he received from Cheryl Allen at home, and the staff at SPJST Senior Living in Hillje. Pall bearers will be Bill Bone, Otis Graf, Jr., James Graf, Jim Faldyn, Robert Gao, and Brian K. Severin. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 20, from 10:00 to noon at Wharton Funeral Home. Burial services will be Thursday at 2:30 at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079, with Pastor John Willmann officiating. Funeral services under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at www.whartonfuneralhome.com.