MILFORD - Robert L. Graham, of Milford, passed away peacefully Monday, Dec. 13, 2010, in Christiana Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was 81 years old. Bob was born on Aug. 17, 1929, in Wilmington, the son of the late Samuel Lawrence and Velma Snowberger Graham. He graduated from Greenwood High School Class of 1947 and graduated from University of Delaware Class of 1951 with a B.S. in Education, majoring in Biology. He had a 35 year career with the State of Delaware. Bob began as a Fish and Wildlife technician in 1951 with the old Game and Fish Commission. He served over the years as field manager, federal aid coordinator, chief of research, acting director and assistant director with the Division of Fish and Wildlife. He coordinated all the Division's federal aid work for the last 15 years of his career, making sure that Delaware received its share of funds from Federal programs. Bob retired from the State of Delaware in 1988. One of his major projects was the acquisition of property for the Nanticoke Wildlife area in Sussex County. On October 23, 1988 this property was dedicated and renamed as the Robert L Graham Nanticoke Wildlife Area. One of his proudest accomplishments was the reintroduction of the wild turkey to the State of Delaware after it was extinct for many years. The wild turkey population in the State thrives today. He was a member of the Milton Lions Club for 25 years. Bob was instrumental in introducing their Smorgasbord style of fundraising dinner. He also was a 50 year member of Endeavor Lodge No 17, A.F.& A.M. of Milton serving as Master in 1961. In 1962 he served as Grand Marshall of the Grand Lodge. He was a member of Slaughter Neck United Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees. When he retired, he enjoyed boating, fishing and hunting. Later he learned the game of golf which he enjoyed with family and friends. Bob was preceded in death by daughter Beverly Anne Graham. He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years Ethel Clifton Graham of Milford, a son Steve Graham and his wife Kathy of Newark with children Jennifer Rodysill and husband Mick with his daughter Lydia; Catherine Garcia and husband Daniel with children Daniela and Jessenia of Lincoln, Nebraska, Brian Graham and Tracy Graham of Newark, a daughter, Carol Shockley and husband Joe of Milton with children Scott Shockley and Amy Shockley of Milton. Bob is also survived by sisters, Mildred Hamstead of Seaford, and Betty Berwick of Bear as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Services to honor his life will be held Monday, Dec. 20, at 1 p.m. at Slaughter Neck U.M. Church, Argo's Corner Rd., Milford. Friends may call Sunday night from 6 to 8 p.m. in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St. Milton. A Masonic service will be held at 7 p.m. Interment will be at Slaughter Neck Cemetery. Contributions may be made to: Greenwood Alumni Association Scholarship Fund c/o Roger Butler, 3195 Andrewsville Rd, Greenwood, DE 19950.