David B. Graves

David B. Graves Just a week after celebrating his 62nd birthday with family and friends, David B. Graves went home to be with the Lord on September 12, 2010. David Grew up in Nora, a small rural town in Illinois. He was the oldest of five children born to Charles (Ben) and Francis (Bose) Graves. His sister, Judy Bergstrom and husband Tom of Warren, and brothers, Churck and wife Karen of Pearl City, Jeff of Nora, and John of Freeport, all still live in the area. His half-brother, Charlie also lives in Freeport. After graduating from Warren High School, David's studies at Highland Community College were interrupted by a call from Uncle Sam. He served two years in the U.S. Marine Corps, stationed in Japan and California. Upon returning to civilian life, he worked hard to complete his studies at Highland and moved to Indiana to begin his career at Naval Avionics Facility at Indianapolis, later taking a position with RCAGEThomson Comsumer Electronics. David obtained his master's degree from Indiana Wesleyan University and was manager of Test Technology when he retired from Thomson in 2002. During retirement he worked at Heartland Growers at Westfield, IN and taught electronics at Ivy Tech. David had a life-long love for all kinds of music, but especially enjoyed playing classical guitar for friends, family and worship services as well as singing in the choir at Northview Church of the Brethren at Indianapolis. After marrying Diana (Stover) Graves in 1995 he continued to share his musical talents where they attended Emanuel Lutheran Church at Arcadia. From a young age David enjoyed motorcycling and for years he and Diana were very involved with Gold Wing Road Riders Association where he had served as a chapter director and rider educator. He renewed his love of old cars by collecting them and participating in antique car shows. In recent years, David and Diana became involved with the Wilson Amateur Wine Wine Club at Modoc, IN and have won several awards in the amateur division of the Indy International Wine Competition. Of all his many talents, skills, and interests, David's greatest gift to his family was his role as husband, "Dad" to stepdaughter, Staci Koehler and son-in-law Carl, and Papaw to Carter James, Reece and Brady Koehler, all who learned the meaning of steady, reliable and true by his example. In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his stepson, Hank Deakyne. Family and friends were blessed by having known him and by witnessing the courage he displayed on the path God laid out for him. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 17, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in Emanuel Lutheran Church, 355 South Shaffer St., Arcadia, IN 46030. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. September 16th at Hartley Funeral Homes at Cicero, IN. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be sent to the family at: hartleyfuneralhomes.com