Paul Graver

Graver, Paul Age 84, a lifelong resident of Plainfield, IL, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 17, 2013 at Lakewood Living Center, Plainfield. He was born on May 12, 1929 in Joliet, Illinois. Paul is survived by his loving children, Cathy (Charlie) Crews, Vicky (Kevin) D'Arcy, Paula (Chuck) Thayer, Doug Graver and Denise (Tim Lakota) Duncan; his cherished grandchildren, Casey Crews, Courtney (Scott) Walton, Jim (Teri), Brooke and Andrew D'Arcy, Paige and Derrick Sibley, Shawn (Meredith) and Christopher Thayer, Mandy (Grover) Keltz, Gretchen and Grant Duncan; his great grandchildren, C.J. and Zachary Walton, Grayson Keltz and Calvin D'Arcy; and his special angel, Audrey (the late Myron) Pennington; as well as many nieces and nephews and a lifetime of great friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Thelma "Lou" Graver in 2003, and his parents, Roy and Audrey Graver. Paul grew up on the family farm in Plainfield. He was a graduate of Plainfield High School, class of 1947. He proudly served in the IL National Guard and the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a fearless entrepreneur from an early age. He operated many of his own businesses including Graver Implement and Graver Ready-Mix. He also operated his own school bus (#10) for the Plainfield School District, sold Winnebago's at the Plainfield Lawn & Fun Shop and was the founder and developer of Graver Country Estates. Paul dedicated over 63 years to the Plainfield Volunteer Fire Department in many capacities, including Chief. He was also a member of the American Legion Marne Post #13, Plainfield Masonic Lodge #536, the Plainfield Moose Lodge #2491, and a die-hard Cubs fan. The family would like to extend their deep appreciation to the nurses and staff of both Lakewood and Joliet Area Community Hospice for the loving care they showed him in his final days. Paul will be deeply missed and his memory will live on forever in the hearts of those he loved. For those who would like to leave a lasting tribute to Paul's life, memorials to the Plainfield United Methodist Church or Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431 would be greatly appreciated. Visitation will be Thursday, June 20, 10:00 AM until 12:00 Noon at the Plainfield United Methodist Church, 15114 S. Illinois St, Plainfield. Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 Noon in the church. Interment with military honors will follow at the Plainfield Township Cemetery. Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services Corner of Routes 30 & 59, Plainfield, IL 60544 (815) 436-9221 or www.overman-jones.com