In loving memory of Mark Graham

12/30/1952 - 9/26/2019

Location: Houston, Texas

Visits: 38,556

This memorial was created in honor of Mark William Graham of Houston, Texas. Mark was born on December 30, 1952 and passed on September 26, 2019. Mark was loved by many and will be dearly missed by all friends and family.

Mark William Graham, age 66 of both Houston & Seguin, Texas went home to be with our Lord on September 26, 2019 after a long illness. He grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. Mark joined the Air Force after graduating high school and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business at St. Leo College prior to relocating to Houston. Mark enjoyed the distinct honor of completing his law degree at South Texas Law School. In Houston, Mark served as an administrative judge for the Texas Workforce Commission for 25 years. Mark also enjoyed 35 years as a Reserve Deputy Constable at Harris County Precinct 1, where he also volunteered many hours of service to the residents of Houston. Following retirement, Mark worked for Rice University as a police officer. Mark's career was full and he also volunteered both in an administrative and labor capacity for Retired Rabbit Sanctuary & Cheyenne Rescue and Sanctuary in San Antonio, Texas. Rescuing animals was a passion of Mark’s and he drove around the state to collect surrendered animals, primarily rabbits. Mark also assisted on international rescues saving many lives that would have been euthanized. His last few years he was in Seguin, Texas while working with the animal rescue and caring for as many ill or elderly animals as possible that were considered unadoptable. If an animal was in need Mark would not hesitate to help. If they showed up on his doorstep, as many did, regardless of whether they were domestic or wild, Mark would offer them food, water or medical care & a pet.

Rather than exchanging material Christmas gifts, Mark & his wife would donate to their favorite charities. Mark was also a member of St. Cecilia's Catholic Church in Houston for many years.

Mark was a good provider for his family and an amazing husband to his loving wife, Selma of nearly 38 years. He always remembered special family events, anniversaries and birthdays. Mark was humble, thoughtful, generous to a fault, kind to everyone and virtuous with a good sense of humor that he didn't mind sharing. Mark treated everyone with dignity and respect. Mark was a strong believer in fairness and had an even stronger since of justice. He'd give his last dollar to a person living on the street then would return with a hot meal for them. Mark would sacrifice all year so he could give a large donation to his favorite charity. An annual Christmas tradition was delivering gifts around Houston to the elderly through Sheltering Arms. Mark frequently would buy pet food and supplies for several animal rescues then spent the day volunteering with them.

One of Mark's many sayings was to always smile at a stranger and you might just change their life or at least make their day. Mark was friends with everyone and if he saw someone in need he would always go out of his way to lend a helping hand. He had a big heart and gave continuously of himself. Mark loved and was loved by many friends and family. He will be dearly missed.

Mark is preceded into heaven by both his parents, James W. and Mary Graham. Mark leaves behind his loving wife, Selma Buchholz-Graham, two sisters, C. Kelly Graham and Tracy Collins both from Cleveland, Ohio, a cousin Susan Paul from San Diego, CA, and uncle to many nieces and nephews as well as many friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Retired Rabbit Sanctuary or Cheyenne Rescue and Sanctuary, 9682 Kirkner Road, San Antonio, TX 78263-5502 (www.retiredrabbit.org) or The American Cancer Society. Condolences can also be left for the family at this site http://nevergone.com. A memorial candle may also be lit.may also be lit.

Mark's funeral will be celebrated at St. James Catholic Church, 510 S. Camp St., Seguin, TX, 78155 at 3:00 pm Friday, November 15th, 2019. A reception will follow the Mass at St. James Catholic Church. Private interment will be at a later date.