Extracted from The Shreveport Times (Shreveport, LA)
Sunday, December 25, 2016

Roger Graham Ulmer

MCKINNEY, TX - Roger Graham Ulmer, 82, died peacefully at McKinney Healthcare on December 12, 2016, where he had recently moved to be near his children following a series of debilitating strokes. His body will be cremated and there will be a private family remembrance.

Born in Shreveport, Louisiana on November 26, 1934, he graduated from high school in Greenwood Mississippi, one of several towns where his father had relocated as an executive with Southern Bell. As a teen, he worked for William Keeton, a professional picture framer and inventor who held several patents on specialized equipment. It was through his association with Mr. Keeton that he developed a life-long interest in the art and framing business.

Roger attended college at LSU in Baton Rouge, was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, and remained an ardent fan of the LSU Tigers for life. He was in the stands of Tiger Stadium on Halloween night in 1959 for Billy Cannon's legendary punt return. Married in 1956, he was initially employed by the State Highway Department in Baton Rouge. After his three children were born, he started a part-time picture framing operation. His business grew quickly and he decided to pursue framing full time. In 1967, he moved his family to Shreveport where he purchased Burke's, an established frame shop and gallery. He became well known for his high quality custom work, examples of which can be seen locally in the collection of the R. W. Norton Art Gallery.

In 1978, Roger saw opportunity in Houston during a period in which the city was experiencing phenomenal growth. Opting to curtail his retail business and instead focus on the trade, he opened Designers Art, a large gallery and showroom in the Decorative Center of Houston. For years, Roger served as a trusted resource for designers, architects, and museum curators; He made many lasting friendships and counted it as a privelege to work with second and even third generation clients. An expert in his field, he frequently consulted on framing and preservation and held workshops on gilding, restoration, and all mediums of art.

Roger truly never met a stranger; His family could always count on him recognizing someone in a crowd. Quick with a joke or story, he was a natural-born salesman and held leadership positions in many professional and civic groups. One organization that held particular importance was Rotary International. He served as president of his Shreveport chapter and took pride in never missing a meeting. His children can attest to vacations in both the US and abroad during which their father would make time to visit the local Rotary club to maintain his record of perfect attendance.

Roger had an abiding faith in Jesus and taught all of his children and grandchildren to love the Lord; He was most certainly welcomed with open arms into the Kingdom of Heaven. He is preceded in death by his parents, Louis P. Ulmer and Carmen E. Richardson, his grandparents Carmon M. Richardson and May Caldwell Richardson, his uncle Imon M. Richardson, and father Lesley L. Spinks. He is survived by his wife Barbara Bynum Ulmer, his son Clay Ulmer, his daughter Kelli Ulmer Jones and her husband Randy, his daughter Susan Ulmer Bloodworth and her husband Tommy, his step-son Jody Eldred and his wife Pam, his step-daughter Mary Eldred Kemp and her husband Dusty, his step-son Charles Eldred and his wife Christine, his grandson Dillon Bloodworth and his wife Allie, his grandson Dalton Bloodworth and his wife Katie, his half-sister Luann Ulmer Dawkins, and his step-granddaughter Dusti Kemp.

The memory of Roger would not be complete without acknowledging his wife Barbara's commitment to keep him comfortable, provide daily companionship, and insure the best of care in his later years. As Roger's health declined, it was through Barbara's unwavering devotion that he was able to enjoy a long life. His family also wishes to thank the staff of White Oak Manor in Charlotte, NC and McKinney Healthcare Center. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rotary Foundation.