Henry "Charles" Graf, 92, passed away on June 18, 2024. He was born to Paul Gerhart Graf and Mary Obenhaus Graf on February 3, 1932, in Vernon, Texas. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, Lockett, Texas. He graduated from Five-In-One High School on May 19, 1949.

Charlie's Uncle Walter Obenhaus encouraged him to join 4-H as a young boy and there he won an essay contest on how he would raise a pig. The prize was a gilt (female pig) and this began his lifelong career of The Graf Hog Farm. As an employer, he encouraged many high school boys how to be productive citizens and they kept him young at heart. Charles also raised alfalfa and cattle.

When Charles was 8 years old, a full blood Cherokee Indian taught him to how to trap animals on the Pease River. This began his love for fishing and hunting, especially dove. He valued the deer hunting trips to the Hill Country with his buddies. He also treasured the domino club which began in 1973 and lasted more than 40 years. But Charlie's two all-time favorites were bird watching with Jeanette in the backyard oasis they had crafted together, and when the grandkids came and brought all their laughter and chaos along with them.

He was an active member at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Vernon, where he served as Sunday school teacher for 25 years, Sunday school superintendent, Walther League counselor, trustee, and congregational president. Charles led devotions at the Center South Juvenile Detention Center, and he was a Gideon. He won the Wilbarger County Rural Citizen Award, was an active Wilbarger County 4-H adult leader, and he held offices on the Texas and National Pork Producers Association boards.

Charles married Jeanette Kieschnick on December 18, 1951. He is survived by his wife whom he affectionately called Kitten for 72 years; son David Graf and wife Lisa, of Iowa Park; daughter Becky Brown and husband Robert, of Brenham; daughter Nancy Adams and husband Rex, of Devol, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Regan Don Juan and husband Ernesto of Saltillo; Brady Graf and wife Aubri of Lubbock; Sarah Trachsel and husband Che of Denton; Rebecca Burris and husband Michael of Denton; Ashley Nelius and husband Travis of Round Top; Rachel Sheehy and husband Adam of Carrolton, Rodney Adams and wife Emily of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and Britni Adams of Dallas. He has 22 great-grandchildren.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Mary Graf, his brother Ruben Graf, and his sister Gladys Hunting.

Funeral services will be at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Vernon on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 11:00 am. Visitation will be Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 10:00 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 4405 Hospital Drive, Vernon, Texas 76384, or Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Rd., Wichita Falls, Texas 76310.

Sympathy cards may be mailed to Jeanette Graf at Sheridan Medical Lodge, 1119 S. Red River Expressway, Burkburnett, Texas 76354. The family wishes to thank the staff of Sheridan Medical Lodge of Burkburnett and Hospice of Wichita Falls for their care and compassion for dad as well as all the residents.