Graham H. Childress

1936 - 2018

Graham H. Childress

Ozona, TX

Graham Hugh Childress of Ozona, Texas passed away Tuesday, September 11,2018 at the age of 82. He was born February 17, 1936 in San Angelo, Texas to Hugh Francis Jr. and Rachel Graham Childress. He graduated from Ozona High School in 1954. Graham went on to graduate from Rice University in 1958 as an officer in the United States Navy. After graduation, he was stationed in New London, Connecticut where he later met his wife of 58 years, Marion Ward Childress. They were married June 18, 1960. He served in both Korea and Vietnam and ended his Naval career as Lieutenant Commander. After coming home from the Navy, he began his ranching career on the Block Y ranch in Dryden, Texas in 1967. While living in Terrell county, he was a prominent member of the community and served many years as county commissioner. While living in Terrell County, Graham also began his long distinguished Masonic career. He was raised a Master Mason August of 1970. He served in each of the offices of Sanderson Lodge #988 being Worshipful Master in 1973. He was an endowed member of 9 different lodges, a golden trowel recipient at Frontier #766, Sam Houston Hall of Fame, District Deputy Grand Master #58 in 1975, Grand Marshal 1980, Grand Orator 1981, Grand Junior Warden 1985, Grand Senior Warden 1986, Deputy Grand Master 1987 and the 5th from West of the Pecos and 150th individual to be installed as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Texas in 1988. Graham was on the Board of the Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and served as the chairman of the Rocker B Ranch committee. Graham was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist church in Ozona. In later years Graham always enjoyed being around the fire at the Chuckwagon with friends and family. His accomplishments are numerous and he touched the lives of many, many people. He will be dearly missed. He is survived by his wife Marion, his daughter Connie Riojas and son Hugh and wife Melissa Childress. Grandchildren include Scottie and husband Nick Mataska, Kelsey and husband Casey Kruse, Jennyfer Riojas and Brandyn Riojas. Funeral services will be held Saturday Sept. 15 at 10:00am at the Ozona United Methodist Church with Masonic Graveside services following in Cedar Hill Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at kerbowfuneralhome.com.