Athen Gabriel Graff, a junior at Medina Valley High School, passed away on December 2, 2020 at the age of 16 years 10 months. He was born February 5, 2004 in Fallon, Nevada where his mother was serving in the Navy. Athen was a phenomenal young man who lit up the room wherever he went. He was smart, goofy, irreverent, always ready to make someone laugh and most of all, he knew he was loved.

Athen enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his younger brother and sister with whom he was always his most hilarious. He enjoyed hanging out with his friends and driving his car with his brand-new driver's license. He was trying very hard to become a responsible and independent young man. He was taking dual credit college courses and working part time earning his own money. He had pets of all kinds including dogs, cats, rabbits, a goat, lizards and most recently, two baby Colorado River Toads.

Athen lived in Castroville where he resided with both his mother and grandparents for many years. He played Pop Warner football and Medina Valley Youth basketball and soccer. He only had one and a half years left in high school in order to graduate. After graduation, he had plans to live in San Antonio with his mother who had recently began working at USAA. Athen was incredibly proud of his mom for her recent accomplishments. Athen aspired to attend UTSA to become a mental health therapist or psychiatrist but his dreams were cut short. He will never be forgotten by those who knew him and even though he was taken from us much too soon, Athen touched so many people and had already made a difference in this world.

It is impossible to reconcile the taking of a young life and turn it into something positive but Athen would have wanted us to try. Before his death, as he received his first driver's license, Athen signed up to be an organ and tissue donor. The family has honored his wish and his organs have been donated so others can live.

Athen is survived by his mother, Allison Tracy White; and sister and brother, Sylvie Grace Walsh and Ace William Walsh and his grandparents, Robert and Annette Gonzales and Ben and Callie White. He is also survived by his uncles, Travis Gonzales and Brandon Gonzales as well as Brad White and his children, Athen's cousins, Kodiak and Vivianna White. In addition, he is survived by aunts, Whitney Wastel, Jaina-h Knapick and great-grandfather, Coy Willis and dozens of extended family members. Athen was preceded in death by his great-grandmothers, Consuelo White and Patsy Robertson.

A closed casket public visitation is scheduled for Friday, December 11, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Due to COVID guidelines, the family will not be present during this time. An Open-Air Candlelight/Phone Light Celebration of Athen's life will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 926 Lower LaCoste Rd. in Castroville, Texas.  Athen will be cremated following the ceremonies.

Please note: the number of people allowed in the funeral home is limited. Face coverings and social distancing shall be practiced. The family also requests that face covering be worn at the open-air vigil and social distancing be practiced as much as possible in order to respect the health of participants.  Memorials in Athen's name may be made to the charity of your choice or the family would greatly appreciate the thoughtful gift of flowers to brighten Athen's ceremonies.

Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Visit www.tondre-guinn.com.