Charles Graves

Charles Lowell Graves was born Feb. 11, 1917 to C.E. & Maude Graves in Everton, Mo. He was called home to his Heavenly Father on Monday, July 5, 2004. He attended Everton Public Schools and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwest Missouri Teachers College. Charles served in the U.S. military, as a member of the Air Force Band and Chaplain's Assistant. He returned to teaching after his military duty and taught Music and English in schools in Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri. Charles was a member of Southminster Presbyterian Church and a member of the United Lodge #5 F.M. & A.M. Charles loved his family, music, reading and traveling in Colorado. He was a ham radio operator, KORFQ, and enjoyed many years of talking to people all over the country.

Charles is survived by his devoted wife Maxine; daughter Annie Freelove and her husband, Ed; granddaughters: Joy Collins and husband, Doug, Springfield; Kelley Freelove, Battlefield; Kimberly Payton and husband. Jeremy, Sarasota, Fl.; grandson Riley Freelove, Huntsville, Al. ; great-grandson, Ben Freelove, Battlefield; sisters; Marjorie Pryor and Maxine Compton, both of Springfield. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews : Jo Ann Wills and husband Charles, Springfield; Dwight Baker and wife Emma, Bill Baker and wife Betty, Dallas, Tx.; Truett Baker and wife Carolyn, Branson, Mo.; Gary Bass, Ken Bass and wife Rose Ann, Rogersville, Mo.

Graveside Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 8, 2004 in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, with Rev. Bill Havens officiating. Military Rites will be provided by the Veterans' Memorial Team. Visitation will be today from 7 to 8 p.m. in Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 East Walnut. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John's Hospice or Southminster Presbyterian Church.

A huge debt of gratitude is extended to Dr. Galen Hasler and the staff of St.John's Hospice, especially Alice and Megan, for their compassionate care during Charles' long fight with cancer. A very special thank you, also to his sister-in-law and broher-in-law, Mattie Mae and Warren Bass for their help during this difficult time.