Byron L. Graff

From the moment Byron Lee Graff came screaming into the world on March 23, 1983, his love and zest for living life by his own rules never ceased.

Byron was born in Lincoln, Nebraska to Clifford Lee and Cheryl Ann Graff. Byron was the first-born son to this union and the apple of his daddy’s eye. It didn’t matter where his parents were going, what lake they were fishing, or what side of a mountain they were climbing, Byron was packed along for the ride. Then, Byron’s world forever changed a year and a half later when his little sister entered the world. He would spend the rest of his life teasing, tormenting, and most of all protecting her. (Insert Byron’s ornery laugh here!)

In the late 80’s the family relocated to Harper, Ks. This was the perfect spot for Byron to grow up. He spent many hours exploring outside and causing mischief with his friends and sister outside in the barnyard and up and down the gravel roads for miles. It sure is a good thing cell phones and digital cameras didn’t exist back then. Not a single barn window or pasture was safe in a 5 mile radius.

Byron was always inquisitive and had to know how things worked and what made them tic. There were many disassembled electronics and even some of his mom’s appliances would mysteriously come up missing because of that curiosity! He spent his summers playing ball and many hours at the Harper pool. Byron was always athletic and VERY competitive. He loved football and track & field, maybe not the track part except for the “Fat Mans” relay where the prize was a pan of brownies, that would make him run! But more the field part of track. His sister was always right behind him wanting to be just as great at everything like him. One could probably say, it was her nipping at his heels that pushed him to excel, I’m sure of it!

Byron was always a lover of the outdoors, hunting and fishing with his dad to later in life sharing that passion with Big Paul and they had the best stories to go with it! Byron was the best storyteller around, but this one is true. I swear to you!

Shortly after high school Byron started working for Coca Cola as a Merchandiser and later became a Service Technician for his area. All those years of tearing things apart paid off and Byron excelled in his ability to troubleshoot any problem on any Coke machine, vending machine, or dispenser and became the best technician in all of Kansas. It was always fun for friends or family to be going through a drive-thru and out through the window Byron would pop with a “Hey, what’s up doggie?” And he would take a brief moment from working on a machine to have a little small talk or even a hug. Byron made many friends through his 20+ years at Coca Cola. He had truly found his calling.

In 2005, Byron married his high school sweetheart and to this union in 2007, a blonde, curley headed girl named Zoey Ann Graff stole his heart. She became the love of his life and his reason for living. If you seen Byron, you knew Zoey was right behind him. Even over the years, that didn’t change. Some of Zoey’s fondest memories are when Byron would slow his world down to spend some one-on-one time with her, playing games, talking, shopping, or even just taking her out to eat.

Byron and Zoey spent many hours “country cruising” talking about life and teaching Zoey to drive. Some of life’s best lessons are learned on country roads and that includes, you don’t drive with both feet! Byron wore many hats, and was known by many names, but “Dad” was his all-time favorite.

Byron will be remembered for his kind soul and pure heart. No matter who you were or how far away you were, if you needed him, he was there. He never judged, never looked down, and was always there. You could count on him to make you laugh in the darkest days and was ready for battle if you needed his strength.

Byron will be greatly missed by his daughter, Zoey of Hutchinson, Ks, sisters: Nevada (Joe) Stokely of Hickman, Ne, Kristine (Tracy) Chance of Anthony, Ks; nieces and nephews, Kabrie, Kayden, Kolton, and Sydney, and many family members and friends.

Byron will be welcomed home by his parents Clifford and Cheryl Graff and of course, two of his best friends, Jimmy and Ryan. If only we could see that reunion!

Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 a.m. February 13, 2026 at the United Methodist Church in Anthony, Kansas.  

Memorials in memory of Byron may be made payable to the Byron Graff Memorial Fund and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.