John Charles Graves

John Charles Graves of Lorena passed away at the age of 83.

“He had a servant’s heart”.  Born at home in Hubbard, Texas to James Howlett Graves and Annie Laura Moser .  He grew up in Bellmead, Texas and attended LaVega schools (grades 1-12).  At the age of 13, his first job was working as a “soda jerk” at Green’s Pharmacy.  In 1955 following his High School graduation,  John joined the United States Air Force proudly serving for 5 ½ years until 1961.  He returned home and started working at General Tire & Rubber Company.  In 1962, he married Linda Webb.  Two years later he became a father to their only daughter, Laura-Lee, while attending McLennan Community College and Baylor University.  He worked at General Tire for 26 years until they closed.  From there he worked at Hercules Aerospace until they closed.  Then he worked at Spenco Corp., then L-3 Technologies followed by Time Manufacturing until retirement.  Throughout his entire working career he had “Perfect Attendance”  attributing his good health to a Big Red and peanut butter crackers every day at 10:00 a.m.  John never went anywhere that he didn’t see an old friend to stop and visit with.  He had a heart of gold.

In 1994, he and Linda purchased an historical bank building in Lorena, Texas to live upstairs and have Just For You...Antiques  & Interiors below.  While working at Hercules he was moving furniture in the evenings, mowing all over Old Town, serving on the Chamber of Commerce and as an Alderman of the Lorena City Council for 8 years.

John was a member of Crestview Church of Christ where he served

as a Deacon, captain of a very successful bus ministry and

pitched  for their Men’s slow-pitch softball team  for many years.  He and Linda also played on their mixed  league volleyball team.

A man to be remembered as the sweetest husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather AKA: “Poppy”.  He treasured his family …and then he rested as Parkinson’s and Dementia engulfed his life.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Linda Graves; daughter Laura-Lee Graves Hendrix; grandchildren Hunter Hendrix and wife L.E. Hendrix, Hayden Hendrix, Madison Hendrix and Emily Grace Hendrix; and two great-grandsons Samuel and Branton Hendrix.

He worked hard, served faithfully and was loved by many.  There will be no services per John’s request.  Thank for the memories…you made a difference.

The guest book is offered at www.gracegardensfuneralhome.com.  Through this site, you are encouraged to leave a fond memory or condolence about John.