DARRELL GRAFE

Darrell Anthony Grafe went to be with the Lord on August 27, 2022, while surrounded by family and friends. A Columbus native, Darrell was born to Tony and Christine (Skutca) Grafe on August 16, 1969, in Columbus, Texas. He graduated from Bishop Forest High School and attended Blinn College.

Darrell was an amazing husband, father, son, brother, and friend. You could often find him outdoors competing with his family and friends playing corn-hole, throwing washers and horseshoes, fishing, or playing pool or dominoes. But Darrell’s greatest love was being a father to his three sons.

Darrell never met a stranger. His optimism and kindness had no limits, and he always had kind words for everyone he crossed paths with. Every day, he had a new joke to share with his family and friends and loved brightening people’s days.

Darrell enjoyed a couple of career endeavors throughout his life but found his place at Coldwel l Banker-The Ron Brown Company in Columbus, Texas as a Commercial and Residential Realtor. He was revered by his clients and always put in extraordinary effort to find the perfect fit for each of their individual needs. He was gifted in creating and maintaining relationships with his clients and always went the extra mile to ensure their comfort as they joined our community.

Darrell is survived by his wife, Melanie Grafe, and his three sons, Lucas Grafe (and his girlfriend Kyndal Heflin), Landon Grafe, and Layne Grafe. He is also survived by his mother, Christine Skutca Grafe; his father and wife, Tony and Diane Grafe; and his step-sister, Jamie Rutherford; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Darrell was preceded in death by his brother, Keith Edward Grafe; his step-sister, Jennifer Friedel; his paternal grandparents, Victor and Lena Grafe; and maternal grandparents, Frank and Mildred Skutca.

Visitation for Darrell was Tuesday, August 30, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home, 1515 Montezuma St., Columbus, Texas, 78934. Parish Prayer Service and Rosary began at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services were held at St. Anthony Catholic Church on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at 10 a.m. at 1602 Bowie Street, Columbus, Texas, 78934, with Fr. Augustine N. Asante officiating. Burial followed at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers are Edward Halcom, Darrell Vyvjala, Mike Patterson, Jeff Hammett, Brad Kollaja, and Robert Kollaja. Honorary pallbearers are Lucas Grafe, Landon Grafe, Layne Grafe, Andrew Heinsohn, David Halcom, David Rester, David Janik, Thomas “Tiger” Blaha, Noel Spann, John Sparks, Vance Brown, Barry Rutta, Patrick Simmons, Shannon Story, Drew Lynch, and James Kunz.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to TLC- The Lions Camp: Lionscamp.com, Diabetes Cabin: TLC, PO Box 290247, Kerrville, Texas, 78029-0247 or Columbus Rescue Dogs, 1798 Frelsburg Rd, Cat Spring, Texas, 78933. Online condolences may be given at www. hennekefunera lhome.com.