Meraj Khan Obituary (1958 - 2026)

Meraj (Raj) Khan, age 68, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026, at his home in Fort Worth, Texas. The youngest of 13 siblings, Raj was born in Hyderabad, India to Muzaffar Hussain and Fatima Khan. He grew up surrounded by a large circle of family, friends, and animals. Growing up, he loved to go horseback riding, fellowship with friends, and spend time with the many animals he and his siblings had, including dogs (his favorite dog was his boxer named MP, short for ‘military police’), cats, peacocks, goats, birds, chickens, and a monkey. He would tell you that he was not a mischievous child, but he did earn a scar under his right eye from a peacock he chased around their land. He attended St. George’s Grammar School, where he made lifelong friends that stayed connected throughout life. After grammar school he attended Osmania University then earned a degree from the Bureau of Data Processing Systems in May of 1976. After attending university in India, he lived in England with his brother Ali and his family, then came to the United States and lived in Chicago, Illinois with his sister Zehra and her family, who he had a particularly special bond with. Later he moved to Dallas/ Fort Worth, Texas, where he met Pamela Giddens, who would become the love of his life and wife of 40 years. Raj and Pam lived in Houston for 5 years before returning to Fort Worth where they built their life together. One of the proudest moments of his life was when he officially became a citizen of the United States more than 35 years ago. To Raj, family was all you need in life, and everyone was family. He was a fiercely devoted and loving husband to Pam, supportive stepfather to ReGeena and husband Nathan, Neda and husband Rodney, Tiffanie and husband James, and Tara and partner Ross. He found ultimate joy in spoiling and being a doting PaPa to seven grandchildren (Joshua, Ethan, Taylor, Aubrea, Jackson, Jameson, and Jayse) and three great-grandchildren (Elleryn, Axton, and Nash). From his wife, children, and grandchildren to his friends, neighbors, colleagues, and even friendly strangers he met along the way- Raj considered them all family and believed that sharing meals was the best way to be together. Whether having lunch at a restaurant, ordering takeout, or cooking at home, Raj always insisted that the family eat together at the table, a tradition he carried on from his father. His favorite foods were his sister Zehra’s Shami and Bhaji (recipes that no one could replicate), kebab, fried chicken, banana pudding, and pistachio ice cream. Raj and Pam had many adventures throughout their life together. Pam notes a few favorites as visiting Chicago, Illinois; Shreveport, Louisiana; Turner Falls, Oklahoma; and several areas of south Texas, where they explored San Antonio, San Jacinto, NASA, Battleships, and Galveston Beach. Their favorite local spots were the Fort Worth botanical and water gardens and the Stock Yards, where they often brought their grand kids in on the fun. They enjoyed perusing antique malls and farmers markets and gardened together, growing vegetables and his beloved knockout roses. Every morning for decades, Raj and Pam had coffee and tea together at the kitchen table. More than all these adventures, spending time with grandchildren was number one. When they were small, Raj and Pam took the grandchildren to parks, movies, zoos, arcades, Sundance Square, and other local outings. As they grew, they often had lunch at Red Robin or ordered takeout to share a meal at home. He had a specialty dish that he cooked, Beef Tomato Curry, a favorite that was frequently requested by his family. He had so much fun teaching his grandchildren how to play carrom but made sure they remembered he was the carrom champion. After becoming a firearms expert, he taught his grandsons how to prioritize safety when they went to the range together, which he looked forward to every Sunday afternoon. Of course, they enjoyed a meal afterward. In addition to spending time with family that was close by, he spoke with his sister Zehra, nephew Kazem, and other family members regularly. Raj believed that a house is not a home without a dog. In 2008, Pam and Raj adopted Sassy, a 9-week-old, sweet chocolate lab puppy who became instant royalty of the house and held that crown for 16 years. With home cooked meals, her own seat at the dinner table, an endless supply of toys, and only the best treats- others began referring to her as Sassafras, the Duchess of Blue Carriage Lane. After saying goodbye to Sassy in November of 2023, they adopted Rocky in 2025, as soon as Raj laid eyes on him. He and Rocky spent time together every day- going on walks, watching TV, and relaxing on the couch before bed. Just like Sassy, Rocky insisted that sleeping on a dog bed is beneath him. In the center of the pillow top bed next to Raj and Pam is the only way. Raj's work ethic was unmatched. After a successful 30+ year career as a store manager, Raj retired in May 2024 and decided quickly afterward that he wanted to stay busy working part time. Less than a month ago, his longtime friend and boss introduced his own sons to Raj, showing them an example of someone who was truly successful in life because he had family and friends, cared about others, worked hard, and was always content regardless of the situation. It’s because of these characteristics that Raj won his battle with bladder cancer. After being diagnosed in early 2023, Raj fought hard along with his medical team and was declared cancer free in June 2025. At his recent follow up in June 2026, he was still the victor, cancer free. Within the last two years, Raj also discovered he had a medical talent because he wanted to be the person to take care of Pam. He completed courses to become the dialysis technician for her, which he did with precision and care. He took so much pride in his ability to do this. Raj lived and embodied the joyful and fulfilled life that we all strive to- holding strong values in his faith in God/Allah and his passion for family, living simply, and loving one another. Everyone who he crossed paths with will say the same thing about Raj, that he lived for his wife and family, would help anyone in need, and everyone had a standing invitation to come over and share a meal together. He was often heard saying that he had everything he needed right here in his home in Fort Worth, Texas. He is overwhelmingly loved by so many and will be truly missed. Raj is survived by his loving wife, Pam; sister Zehra; sister-in-law Jonnie; daughters ReGeena, Tiffanie, and Tara; son-in-law’s Nathan, James, Rodney, and Ross; grandchildren Joshua, Ethan, Taylor, Aubrea, Jackson, Jameson, and Jayse; great grandchildren Elleryn, Axton, and Nash; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family; and countless loyal friends. Details for a celebration of Raj’s life will be shared in the coming weeks.