Robert Bob Graf

1934 - 2022

Robert Graf

Robert "Bob" George Graf, husband, father, grandfather, geophysicist, computer programmer, enthusiastic basketball player, and hiker died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at the age of 88.

Born in Altoona, Pennsylvania in January of 1934 to Irmagard & Gottlob Graf, he was the first in his family to graduate from college at Penn State University in 1956. He was a member of Alpha Chi Sigma fraternity and found his passion in geophysical studies. After completing 4 years in the Air Force he was honorably discharged as a Captain and began his career as a geophysicist and computer programmer, which led to senior analyst positions as well as publisher and researcher. Some of his notable employers were Gulf Oil, Control Data Services, Amoco, Senturian Sciences, Cities Services, IBM, and Continental Oil Company. He also was a member of Mensa, SEG (Society of Exploration Geophysicists), the European Association of Exploration Geophysicists, Tulsa Geophysical Society and the Sierra Club.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Ann Graf, his sister and brother-in-law, Delores and Bernard Campbell of Hollidaysburg, PA; his two daughters and son-in-law, Robin Lynne Hibbard of OKC and Deborah and Jeff Hughes of Tulsa; his step children, Michael and Nancy Maxey, Marissa Lane, and Mark Maxey. He was blessed being "Opa" to seven grandchildren Jackson, Jillian, Henry, Garrett, Olivia, Ali, and Madison. Each of whom he adored immensely and spent as much time with as possible .

Travelling and hiking were his passions. He ventured to Germany frequently to visit extended family, hiked throughout Austria, Germany, Switzerland and even part of the North Face. Being a good German, he religiously enjoyed an evening beer sitting outdoors. He played basketball recreationally throughout his life and his team Sixty Too 1 earned a championship at the Senior Olympics in Orlando, FL in 1998. This eventually transitioned to Men's Ping Pong champion in 2016 at the then Oklahoma Methodist Manor.

His greatest joys by far came from spending time with his family in Oklahoma, and Altoona as well as yearly Altoona High School Reunions and watching his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers play. You could always find him attending activities and events, and telling stories of how it was 'in the old days'.

His ashes will be spread at a later date in one of his favorite places during a private memorial service surrounded by those he loved. Should you feel compelled, feel free to make a donation to The Sierra Club in his memory.