Robert “Bob” Eugene Graves, 81, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on January 3, 2012, in Alva, OK, surrounded by his family.  He was born June 24, 1930, the son of William Columbus and Agnes Josephine (Schumm) Graves. He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Cheyenne Patrick Graves. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patricia Ann (Jones) Graves, his eight children, Suzie (Bruce) Reynolds of St. Joseph, MO; Russel (Rita) Graves of Kiowa, KS; Mary (Dwayne) Turnbow of Geneso, KS; Laura (Bill) Nittler of Medicine Lodge, KS; Roberta (Ray) Trent of Wichita, KS; Chuck (Tammy) Graves of Kiowa, KS; Cecilia (Tom) Williams of Bartlesville, OK; Leo (Dana) Graves of Broken Arrow, OK; 21 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren: Nathan (Marietta) and Aiden Reynolds, Erin (Ryan) Marshall, all of St. Joseph, MO; Sean (Danielle) and Liam Reynolds, Memphis, MO; Josh (Jill), Ethan, Lilly, and Felicity Graves, of Castle Rock, CO; Mariah (John), Gavin, Isaac, and Desiree Doherty, Zach (Komari) Graves, all of Kiowa, KS; Zeb (Andrea) Graves of Kiowa, CO; Robert (Carmen), Dana, Gregory, and Tryston Turnbow of Great Falls, MT; Stuart Turnbow of Geneseo, KS; Nick (Rachel) and Holden Turnbow of Macedonia, OH; Travis (Audrey), Gentry, and Jovi Nittler of Wichita, KS; Heather (Jason), Karlee, and Jake Evans of Bucklin, KS; Tara Trent and Taylor Trent of Wichita, KS; Kyle (Jacy) and Keaton Graves of Kiowa, KS; Austin Graves of Kansas City, MO; Rebekah Williams of Bartlesville, MO; Cameron Bishop, Kadie Graves, Chad Graves, and Dakoda Graves of Broken Arrow, OK.  He is also survived by his brother, Joe (Mary) Graves of Hutchinson, KS; sisters-in-law, Bunny (Don) Pfeiffer, Leona Young, and brother-in-law, John Williams, all of Alva, OK, numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob was raised on the family farm north of Hardtner in the antebellum-style home his grandfather, George L. Graves, Sr., built on land homesteaded in the early 1900’s.  Bob started farming at age 12 and attended school in Hardtner where he enjoyed playing baseball and basketball during high school. He graduated in 1948 and attended one semester of college. He married Pat on September 1, 1953 at Sacred Heart Church in Alva, Oklahoma and they raised their eight children on the family farm.  When Bob and Pat were first married, Bob worked in the oilfield as a roughneck. He always loved meeting and visiting with people, which accounted for his success in the Amway and Watkins businesses he ran along with farming and ranching.  Later in life, he enjoyed driving a school bus and sharing his many wonderful stories and songs with the bus students.

Bob was a member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church of Kiowa and was a 3rd degree knight in the Knights of Columbus, serving as District Deputy and Grand Knight, and being named the Oklahoma Knight of the Year while a member of the Alva Council.  He was a charter member of the Kiowa Knights of Columbus, Council #7373.  Bob also taught catechism for many years in the religious education program at Kiowa.  He served on the school board of the Hardtner Public Schools for years while his children attended school there, and he was also on the FFA board for three years.

Bob was so proud of his family, and his happiest times were those spent with them.  Any gathering, big or small, put a smile on his face. He loved singing songs to his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids, and his family so enjoyed hearing them.  Even during his last couple of years at the nursing home, he could be heard belting out songs clear down the hall when family was visiting.  He had a wonderful sense of humor and always enjoyed making people laugh.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hardtner Community Foundation, via Lanman Funeral Home.

May this tribute bring comforting words and pleasant memories during this difficult time. It has been an honor serving your family.
Lanman Funeral Home Staff

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so very sorry for your loss.  Bob was always fun to visit with.  I still have some Watkins items I got from him.  I remember Bob and Pat selling my mom and dad the first Litton microwave back in the mid sixties.  You are all in my thoughts.
Marilyn Myers

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All of us in the kitchen were very sad to hear of your loss. We all enjoyed Bob. You just never knew what he was going to say. We will miss him.
Sincerely
The Dietary Department at Share Convalescent Home

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To Pat and the Graves children - so sorry for your loss. May you always remember the love you had for Bob and the stories/memories y\'all shared. Remember he\'ll always be in your hearts and will always put a smile on your faces. Prayers to you and your families.
Mollie Cook

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We were so sorry to hear of Bob's passing from Joe.  We recall the wonderful visit we had when we took Mother (Madeline Read) to visit the last time.  We know they are now together.  Our prayers are with all of you.
Eloyce  & Bob Wigle

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Members of your family have been a part of my life in the past and the present.  There has always been a connection there.  I remember when Mom distributed Amway through your father and the drives we would take across town to take care of business and have some social time and fun time!  Memories are a wonderful thing--and you have many.  You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Walz

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Sorry to hear of your loss.  I have many fond memories of growing up and being around Bob and your family.  I feel blessed that I knew Bob.  He always knew how to make all kids feel special.
Pat Koch

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