Tributes

Robert Earl Gratten was born on January 2, 1953, in Amarillo, Texas to Theodis and Myrtice Gratten. At the age of two, his family moved to Austin, Texas. He received his education from Austin Independent Schools and graduated from Lanier High School in 1972. Robert’s Christian service began when he accepted Christ in 1963 under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Robert L. Rowe at Ebenezer Baptist Church. During Robert’s Christian service at Ebenezer, he served as the Assistant Superintendent of Sunday School at the Booker T. Washington Housing Projects; taught a Senior Adult Sunday School class at Greater Union Baptist Church; taught 8th grade Sunday School for over 35 years, and was a Men’s Day speaker. His other contributions to the ministry at Ebenezer were Captain and Co-Captain for Men’s Day, Children’s Day Hour Speaker, Senior Adult Day Speaker, member of the Bus Ministry, and member of the Concord Chapel Choir. There were many blessed events that took place in Robert’s life at Ebenezer. On December 8, 1991, he was ordained as a Deacon. Ebenezer Baptist Church has recognized Robert for Outstanding Christian Service and Man of the Year. Robert, his wife, and daughters were honored as Family of the Year at Ebenezer. His favorite scripture was Ephesians 6: 10-18. Robert believed in putting on the full armor of God to stand firm in truth, faith, and righteousness. Robert exemplified a man of hard work, providing for and supporting his family. He was employed by Austin Energy for 25 years. In 1999, Robert retired from Austin Energy to focus on expanding his janitorial business. He owned and operated Gratten Janitorial Services of Austin from 1989 until his passing. Robert was also employed by the Austin Independent School District for 10 years as a campus security guard. Students affectionately called him “Uncle Robert”. He enjoyed working in the yard, baking, watching football games and boxing matches. Robert married his high school sweetheart, Teresa, on September 18, 1976. God blessed their union with two daughters. Robert is preceded in death by his father, Theodis Gratten; his mother, Myrtice Johnson Gratten; his bothers, Theodore “Ted” Gratten, Waymon Gratten, Danny Gratten, and Garry Gratten, and granddaughter, Mia Ashley Aldaco. To cherish his memories are his wife, Teresa Gratten; daughters Adrienne Leslye Gratten Aldaco (Abel) and Andrea Lynne Gratten Walker (Shomari); granddaughters, Marlee Grae Walker and Apollonia Jolie Aldaco; siblings, Linda Gratten, James Gratten (Gloria), Barbara Roland (Thomas), Richard Gratten (Bernetta), Douglas Gratten, Judy Gratten, Debra Houston (John), and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends

Tributes

Deacon Robert E. Gratten

January 2, 1953 - August 28, 2015