Frederick J. Graves,

Colonel, USAF Medical Service Corps (Ret.), of Bradenton, Florida passed away peacefully on Monday, June 13, 2016. Son of the late Kermit and Catherine Graves, he is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Norma; son, Greg; brothers, Thomas and Peter; sister, Ann and numerous nieces and nephews. Born in Lewiston, Maine, Fred entered active duty in June 1956 as a 2d Lt. at Scott AFB Medical Center. His assignments included three tours of duty at Scott AFB, IL; the Isle of Crete; George Washington Univ. where he earned a Masters Degree; Lackland AFB, TX; Air Force Academy; Alconbury, England; and the Philippines. He retired with the rank of Colonel as Administrator of Scott AFB Medical Center, the same base where his career began, after 26 years of active duty. His decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Legion of Merit. Colonel Graves was actively involved, and held positions in several national and local organizations serving active duty, former, and retired military, including the Military Order of the World Wars, the Military Officers Assoc. of America, American Legion, and Manasota Operation Troop Support. He was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Parrish in Bradenton. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3100 26th Street West, Bradenton at 10:00 am, Friday, June 17, with the Eulogy preceding Mass at 9:45 am, and Reception to follow at the Church Hall. Inurnment at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 SR 72, Sarasota, FL 34241 at 2:00 pm, Monday, June 20. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Fred's memory to the Military Order of the World Wars Youth Leadership Conference, P.O. Box 965, Bradenton, FL 34206; Manasota Operation Troop Support, 4301 32nd Street West, Suite C-20, Bradenton, FL 34205; or St. Joseph Food Pantry, 2704 33rd Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton. FL 34209. is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.