Curtis A. Graff, age 93, of Dalhart, Texas, formerly of Bancroft, Nebraska passed away at his home in Dalhart Texas on Sunday, November 15, 2015.  A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 20, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church in Dalhart Texas.  Interment will be in Bancroft NE, at a later date.  Memorials may be made to: Central United Methodist Church Building Fund – 517 Rock Island, Dalhart, TX  79022.  Online condolences may be left for the family at wwwhorizonfuneral.com.  Horizon Funeral Home in Dalhart, Texas is in charge of arrangements.

Curtis A. Graff was born to R.C (Chester) and Ida (Hanson) Graff on June 7, 1922 near Bancroft, Nebraska.  Curt was a graduate of Bancroft High.  He attended the University of Nebraska, and served in the U.S. Army during World War II.  Upon returning home Curt farmed the family homestead which was settled by his grandfather.  Curt was a true cattleman.  Over the years he raised Purebred Red Poll, Aberdeen Angus and commercial cattle, along with a small feedlot enterprise.

On December 2, 1949 Curtis married Evelyn Noreen Brown at her family home, near Tilden, Ne.

Curt was a humble man with an un-wavering Christian faith and strong conviction.  He was an active member of the community serving on many boards including the Bancroft school board, Presbyterian Church Session, Extension Board, President of the Cuming County Feeders Assoc., helped to bring the Armour Packing Plant to West Point, Ne, and was active with the 4-H program.  Curt and Evelyn were honored twice as the Farm Family of the Week by WOW-TV in Omaha, NE. Curtis was a member of the American Legion, Masonic Lodge, and Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.

In 1979 Curt and Evelyn followed their pioneer spirit and moved with their 2 youngest children to Dalhart TX to farm.  Upon “retiring” from farming in 1994, Curt ranched for 17 years running summer yearlings at ranches in Wyoming and Colorado.  With a heavy heart he held his last round up in 2011, at the age of 89.

Survivors include his wife Evelyn of nearly 66 years; children Chuck (Nancy) Graff of Ogallala, NE; Dixie Fischer of Lincoln, NE; Jean (Pat) Schilckbernd of West Point, NE; Bill (Karen) Graff of Dalhart, TX; and Kari (Greg)Goebel of Fort Worth, TX; 18 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren; brother Lyle Graff (Camilla) of Laverne, MN, sister-in-laws Lois Hale and Ann Butterfield of Norfolk, NE, and many nieces and nephews who will miss his thoughtful words of guidance as well as fun tales.

Preceding him in death were his parents; infant son Jay Graff; brother Orin Graff; and sister Marian Macklin.