GRAFORD - Harold Altum hung up his spurs on June 21, 2016.

Service is 10 a.m. Friday, June 24, at the Graford High School gym.Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Thursday in the Baum-Carlock-Bumgardner Funeral Home annex.

Harold, known as Red Dog or Uncle Harold, is survived by children, Lawrence Harold Altum and wife Tina, of Sudan Texas; Mary Lynn Altum-Pouncey, of Killeen, Texas; and Zela Charlene Altum of Denton, Texas. He also leaves behind a sister, Donna Fay Gummelt and husband Odell of Gatesville, Texas; brother, Danny Ray Altum and wife Sandra of Graford, Texas; nine grandchildren, Kasey Ann Altum. Kimber Jene Altum, Samuel Lawrence Altum, Amanda Lynn Pouncey, Laramie Ann Pouncey, Alexandria Kaye Hixson, Bradley Joel Smith, Cassandra Kaye Smith and Dennis Jacob Smith, all of Tennessee. Nephews are Christopher Altum, Sammy Altum and wife Gina, Joe Altum and wife Randy, Jon Altum and wife Ashley, Patrick Altum and wife Janlyn, all of Graford, Texas, and Steven Curtis Key and wife Nikole, Randy Bob Key and wife Lisa, Bradley Lynn Key and Chad Eric Key of Gatesville. Nieces are Sheila Kay Salter and husband Chuck and April Altum of Fort Worth. A host of grand-nieces and -nephews, including Dalton Altum, Dylan Altum, Ethan Altum Carson Altum, Branson Altum, Caden Altum, Riley Altum, Cade Altum and Kylie Altum. He also leaves behind two special brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law, Harold Dean Amerson, and Rex and Jerri Amerson. Many friends, especially those of the round table at the Graford Café, and cousins will miss him.

Harold was preceded in death by his loving wife of 38 years, Audrey Ruth Amerson Altum. His grandparents, Samuel and Matty Altum of Gatesville, Texas; his father, Thomas Herbert Altum, and mother, Zela Alice Altum, of Gatesville; a nephew, Terry Douglas Key of Gatesville; one great-nephew, Brandon Anderson of Gatesville; as well as a host of aunts and uncles.

Harold served in the Army for two years during the Korean War. Once out of the military, he moved to Palo Pinto County. He worked for Seybold Ranch and Bunker Hill Ranch, and then went to Graford, where he worked for Bessie Holt until her death. He then leased the River Place and maintained that for 15 years. He also leased the Walter Ash place and successfully ran that ranch as his own until his death.

During his time in Palo Pinto County, Harold was quite a businessman. He ran a deer lease, a dove lease, a custom hay-baling operation, raised and owned cutting horses, and ran a successful trucking company. But his main living and second love came from his cattle. He always had time for his family and friends. He will be greatly missed here, but we know he will still be tending a herd and roping strays on his best horse, Hired Hand, and his faithful dog, Toad.

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Baum-Carlock-Bumgardner Funeral Home