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Donald Alfred Graves
Jun 02, 1923 - Feb 12, 2021

DONALD ALFRED GRAVES

Donald Alfred Graves was born June 2, 1923, in Kansas City, Kansas where he was raised and lived through his young adult life.  He starred in basketball and baseball as a youth, and played on the 1941 Wyandotte High School state championship basketball team.  Don, like so many young men in the “Greatest Generation” enlisted in the Navy upon graduating from high school and served in the Pacific theatre until the war’s end. While in the service, he married his high school sweetheart, Alice Cooper, and they were devoted parents and companions until her passing in 1979.  They had three children, Donna, David and Dean.  He returned home from the war and had a 25 year career with Western Auto Supply, where he was regional sales manager.  He began a second career at the General Services Administration where he worked for 20 years before retiring. 

 

Don met Rowena Wilson at GSA and they married and had a wonderful 37 year marriage.  Ro passed away March 24, 2019.  Ro’s children Cris, Marty, Lorie, Meg and Janel have been loving, caring stepchildren. 

 

Don lived in Johnson County for nearly 60 years and was a member of Southminster Presbyterian Church.  In addition to his daughter and two sons, he is survived by 5 grandchildren and  4 great grandchildren.  In addition to Ro’s five children, Don had a number of step grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.  “Papa” was a favorite of all, as he encouraged and supported his family and kept them on their toes with his wonderful sense of humor.  

 

There will be private family service in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, Don requested donations be made to the Southminster Presbyterian Church.  Condolences may be expressed at www.kccremation.com.
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Bernie Shaner Feb 14, 2021

Family Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I am so sorry to see that your dad passed away. He certainly lived a long and full life. I recall many good times we had with your family and the Forbes so many years ago. Don was always so happy and fun to be around. Though we have not been in touch much in recent years, you have been in our thoughts often. Best wishes to you and your family. Bernie and Donetta Shaner

Jim & Becky Summers Feb 14, 2021

friends ,Kansas City ,Missouri

What a jolly and engaging man! No one ever more deserved a long and rich life. Bless you all.

Dr. Alison Banikowski Feb 14, 2021

Friend of Donna Cooper-Graves ,OLATHE ,Kansas

Our thoughts & prayers go out to you Donna and your family during this challenging times. Sincerely, Alison Tes

Bill Morton Feb 15, 2021

Friend of family ,OVERLAND PARK ,Kansas

Dean and Dave - I am sorry to learn of your father's passing. Though I did not know him well, I appreciate what he must have meant to you and your family. He truly was a part of this country's greatest generation and appears to have led a great life. Please accept my best wishes. Bill Morton

Chris Feb 17, 2021

Married to Don’s Granddaughter ,Memphis ,Tennessee

I am proud to have known and been loved by Papa. His infectious spirit and contagious laughter will echo in my and his great granddaughters’ ears for the rest of our lives. He was a great man and will be sorely missed.

Harry Simpson Apr 28, 2021

Fair winds and following seas sailor. "Boatswain... Standby to pipe the side... Shipmate's going Ashore..." Thank you Donald for your service to this nation. U.S. Navy, WWII.