Gary A. Graves, 81, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, July 9, 2024.
He was born August 1, 1942 in St. Joseph to Delbert and Dorothy (Trautman) Graves.
Gary married Barbara Diane Spencer on July 3, 1965. She survives of the home.
He served his country in the Air National Guard for 29 years as a navigator, achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel, retiring in 1991.
Gary was a math teacher for the St. Joseph School District for many years before retiring.
He was a member of the Missouri State Teachers Association, National Education Association, Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and the Missouri Air National Guard Retired Association.
Gary was a longtime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, where he served in numerous positions with the church.
Gary loved boating and waterskiing at Table Rock Lake with his family. He also enjoyed traveling extensively with Barbara after they both retired. In his younger years he enjoyed creating stained glass art, and later in life he discovered the joy of Legos.
Known for his steady reliability and leadership skills, Gary was a go-to guy both professionally and for his immediate and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Roger Graves; brother, John Graves; and sister, Linda Briner.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Barbara; sons, Anthony Graves and Aaron Graves (Jennifer); grandchildren, Christopher, Andrew (London), Claire and William Graves; sisters, Carol Moore and Nancy Martinez; and other extended family and friends.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, St. Paul Lutheran Church. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.
