Obituaries: May-June 2026

June 1, 2026

Art Graebe

Art Graebe (center, blue and grey zipper jacket) holding second place awards from the 2025 Tournament of Champions' All-Star Game.

Art Graebe, 76, a long-time Scrap Iron coach, died June 11 from an aggressive cancer.

     Art was player/coach of the Scrap Iron Diamonds team when they were 60, 65 and 70s teams. Art was a very loyal manager to his players, which is a rare trait. 

     As a Scrap Iron Club Hall of Fame member, he held many positions including vice president, chairman of the Uniform Policy Committee, member of the Hall of Fame Committee, and the club newsletter editor.

     “I played on Art’s Diamonds team for 11 years,” said John Parisi, president of the Scrap Iron Softball Club. “He convinced me to take a volunteer role as Scrap Iron president and has been my mentor to this day. 

     “Art shared fond memories of playing tournament ball with many of us. Most players on his teams wanted to win more for him than themselves. He inspired that level of loyalty.”

     Here are some words from players and others:

     “Art was a great guy and such a strong, positive ambassador of our sport. What a loss!” said Terry Hennessey, SSUSA chief executive officer.

     Art’s close friend Fran Dowell, SSUSA Executive Director, said: “Art was an amazing supporter of Senior Softball.  He was so excited to be the all-star coach for the Tournament of Champions. His goal was to beat Terry Hennessy’s all-star team. He is coaching a winning team in heaven now. He was a dear friend, and I’ll miss him greatly.”

     “Oh, my goodness. This is very sad news indeed. At one point, I found out his childhood nickname was Buddy, and that’s the name I would call out when scorekeeping games. He was always such a gentleman, on the field and off. He always behaved kindly, and was never angry with players or umpires,” said Sharon Withrow.

     “This news tears my heart to pieces. I’m at a loss for words,” said Mike Arisman.

     “Art shared that the cancer was back, but seemed to feel it could be controlled and he would be back. It’s a good reminder to cherish each day we have in this world. He was one of the friendliest, supportive and dedicated managers I have played for. I’ve been battling my cancer for over 14 years, and he would encourage me often by saying, “remember Rob, we’re going to be playing softball into our 80s together. Sadly, that won’t happen, but the memories we created together are priceless,” said Rob Minner.

     Information provided by John Parisi.

Larry Marquez

Larry Abraham Marquez, 65, a long-time El Paso area umpire, died on May 19.

     Larry officiated for leagues in El Paso and Las Cruses, and tournaments in New Mexico and Texas.

     In his youth, he often played softball. “When he got older you would always see him umpiring,” according to his online obituary. “He had a love for baseball, softball, his kids and an appetite for living.”

     SSUSA Texas State Director and Chili Pepper Classic director Don Brooks remembers Larry: “I’ve known Larry as an umpire for the last 15 years. He umpired in local leagues and my Chili Pepper Classic out of El Paso.”

     Outside of senior softball and officiating, Larry enjoyed traveling with friends and family, and knew someone everywhere he went.