William “Billy” Gene Graff, 82, of Fenton, MO died at home October 4, 2024.
Billy was born in St. Louis, MO on December 26, 1941, a late, but treasured Christmas gift to his parents, the late William Woodrow Wilson Graff and Ruby Lucille (Wilson) Graff. He spent most of his growing up years in Festus, MO surrounded by cousins and friends playing outside most every day until dark. He loved to play sports—basketball, football, baseball. If there was a game going on nearby, that’s where you’d find Billy.
Billy graduated from Festus High School in 1959 and continued his family’s military legacy by serving in the Air Force from 1959-1963. Afterward, he earned his BS of Recreation at Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, MO. He joked saying he spent more time engaging in recreation than studying it. Billy spent 17 years as the Activities Director at the Florissant Community Center.
A serious car accident in 1989 brought about his early retirement. Soon after his recovery, he began to date Juanita Loesch, his high school sweetheart, and at the age of 49, with much joy, they married. In an instant, the size of his family exploded to include her seven children, their spouses and numerous grandchildren. Billy and Juanita celebrated 33 years of marriage this August.
He is survived by his wife, Juanita (Loesch) Graff; 6 stepchildren: Laurie (Kent) Little; Bonnie (Dave) Aubuchon-Holmes; Cary Aubuchon; Cindy (Kevin) Pezzani; Perry Aubuchon; and Sandy Aubuchon; 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one stepdaughter: Sherry (George) Goeke and one granddaughter.
Billy was a member of the Church of Christ. He was a family man, very patriotic and well loved by many.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of William Graff to: Fair Haven Children’s Home, 3132 N. Fairhaven Loop, Strafford, MO, 65757.
Services: Public Visitation will be held at Kutis South County Chapel (5255 Lemay Ferry Rd. Saint Louis, MO 63129) on Saturday October 12th at 11am until the time of the funeral service at 12pm.
A lifetime friend. Billy will be missed.
Bill was part of our group of “Buddies” a good friend may he rest in peace.
Billy was a friend, grade school thru high school. After high school we were surprised to find each other at Whiteman AFB…—surprising because I joined up from Decatur IL and Billy from Festus, Mo. A friendship that started in the 1940’s and ended in 2024.