Donald Ulysses DeGraffe, Sr. Age 87 of Colorado Springs, Colorado was called from labor to reward on Thursday November 15, 2018 in his home in Colorado Springs.
Donald was born on March 7, 1931 in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas Virgin Islands to James DeGraff and Constantia Miriam Rhymer.
Donald served in the United States Army at which time he was stationed at Camp Carson, now Fort Carson, where he met and married his bride, Dolores (Jones) DeGraffe, who preceded him in death. Through this union, came six (6) children: Gerald Glenn Newton of San Antonio, Texas; Terri Lynn DeGraffe of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Donald Ulysses DeGraffe, Jr. of Denver, Colorado; Dennis Earl DeGraffe of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Dwayne Edward DeGraffe of Victorville, California and Thomas Daniel DeGraffe of Dallas, Texas.
Donald knew the Lord throughout his life and on December 10, 2006 He answered his call from the Lord and became an Ordained Deacon under his pastor, LeRoy Carter Morrison of The New Life Tabernacle Baptist Church, Colorado Springs, CO.
Donald was a devout, dignified man, a loving and devoted husband, a wonderful and nurturing father, a loving and caring grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his children, fourteen (14) grandchildren and eleven (11) great-grandchildren, his three sisters; Pauline Woodside of Florida, Marian Hatchett Ludvik of St. Thomas Virgin Islands and Ora Dunbar of Georgia and a host of nieces and nephews.
Donald not only gave of himself to his family, but he opened his home to others whether they just needed a meal or a place to stay. He was known to have sponsored children from all over the world through the Save the Children Network and St. Jude’s organizations. Donald never lost his faith in God. He believed that God gave him every day as a precious gift and he looked forward to the day when he would be re-united with his bride.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 23, 2018 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at the Trinity Baptist Church 617 E Fountain Blvd. Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903. Funeral services will be at 11 am at the same location. Interment will follow at Memorial Gardens cemetery.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.evergreenfuneralhome.org or sent to New Resurrection Missionary Baptist Church at 601 S Prospect St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 or to 2966 Buttermilk Circle, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918.