Franklin Donald Graves

Franklin Donald Graves, 60, of Houston, Tx went to be with the Lord on January 11, 2026. He was born in Houston, Tx on September 15, 1965, to Charles Leonard Graves and Patricia Louise Byrne. He was a man of God and everyone that knew him knew his love for the Lord. What a blessing he was to everyone around him.

Donald passed away from his second battle of cancer after a short, but brave fight. He claimed that he would be healed, but to our broken hearts, it was not in this life. God healed him when He took him home to Heaven. Donald's love and strength for his family remained steadfast throughout his journey. He touched so many lives with his love, kindness, humor, and unwavering commitment to God and his family. He was deeply loved and will be dearly missed.

He is preceded in death by his brother Charles Leonard Graves Jr, his "adopted" son Benson Chizorom Ochieze, his nephew Raymond Leonard Graves Jr, and his stepmother Tina Juanita Norsworthy Graves.

Donald married the love of his life, Felisia Annette Picón-Graves, on June 23, 2007.

He is survived by his wife and his six children, Aaron Michael Graves (Ebony), Cody Alan Graves (Valerie), Alyssa Christine Pagan (Juan), Gabriel Lucas Graves, Jonathan Isaac Graves, and Benjamin Daniel Graves. He loved spending time with his six grandchildren, Angel Marie Jefferson, Aaron Michael Graves Jr, Ananias Devotic Graves, Avery Scarlett Graves, Elijah Jesse Graves, and Vanessa Josephine Graves. He was so proud of all six of his children and everything they have accomplished thus far in their lives. Becoming a grandpa was an honor for him, and grandbabies made everything complete.

Donald and Felisia "adopted," fostered, and mentored many children that they considered their own which include Benson Chizorom Ochieze, Jefter Udochi Ochieze, Austin Eugene Bollinger, Raymond Graves Jr, Jude Asher Austin Rodgers, Lucy Jane Rodgers, and of course all his other nieces and nephews.

He loved his siblings Danny Graves, Raymond Leonard Graves (Clara), MaChelle Lorah Byrne (Johnnie), Lea Parker Stump, Jodie Lynn Bradford (Chris), Kelly Jay Stump, and Patrick Shane Graves. He loved his father-in-law Felix Picón Sr, mother-in-law Lucy Picón, brother-in-law Felix Picon Jr, and his sister-in-law Yvette Vargas (Ricky). Donald loved his twenty-six nieces and nephews including his great-nieces and nephews. He cared for and loved everyone around him.

He was employed at Cardinal Health for 20 years and always felt so blessed to have had the opportunity to grow within the company. Since then, he worked at Monument Hill Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in La Grange, Tx, Garza County Regional Juvenile Center in Post, Tx, and finally UTEX, Inc. in Weimar, Tx. He made so many friends, not only through employment and church, but truly everywhere he went.

Donald loved being outdoors surrounded by wildlife and bonding with nature all around him. It was when he felt most at peace, especially when fishing. He loved nature so much that he volunteered at many Texas State Parks as a Park Host with his family.

He will forever be in our hearts, and his legacy of faith and love will live on through his children.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 17, 2026 in the Chapel of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home in Rosenberg. Burial to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Rosenberg.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to: https://gofund.me/948c8142a.

Expressions of remembrance and condolences are welcome and may be left for the family at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd. (Hwy 59 South @ FM 2218), Rosenberg, Texas 77471, Phone: 281-341-8800.