Ben Shaw Graves Jr.

Ben Shaw Graves, Jr. was born in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana on February 26, 1909. Died September 13, 2004 in Covington, LA. At an early age his parents moved to Reserve, LA. where his father ws overseer for the Leon Godchaux Sugar Plantation. He moved with his parents to Baton Rouge as a teenager where he finished high school and entered Louisiana State University when it was still located on the old campus that is the present site of the state capitol building. He graduated from the ''Old Skule'' in 1929 and because of the depression and lack of jobs he went to work for the U.S. Forest Service in Idaho. Ben returned to Louisiana in 1933 to marry his college sweetheart, the former Evelyn Fryoux, and go to work for the Shell Oil Company in Norco, LA. Having had Army ROTC training in LSU, Ben was activated for service as an officer in WWII and shipped out to England. He landed at Normandy during the invasion and subsequently fought with Gen. Patton's Third Army through France and Germany. He commanded an anti-aircraft artillery company and was awarded the Bronze Star and Various other medals and citations for bravery during the war. At the end of WWII he returned to work with Shell and resumed his life as a civilian. Ben always has a deep sense of family and community. He was one of the founders and Post Commander of American Legion Spillway Post 195 in Norco. Loving hunting and fishing, he was also one of the original founders of the Bonnet Carre' Rod and Gun Club. Retiring from Shell as a department head after 33 years, he and Evelyn resumed their passion for travel and toured the U.S., Canada and Alaska extensively in their RV's. He lost his soul mate (Abba) of 59 years in 1992. Ben is survived by his children: William Graves, Sr. of Bozeman, MT. and Barbara Keller of Buford, GA; grandchildren: William Graves, Jr., Ben Graves III, John Keller, III, Vicki Keller and great-granddaughter Ainsley Keller. Ben will be laid to rest in Roselawn Cemetery in Baton Rouge, LA. Graveside service will be Wednesday, September 22, 2004 at 11:00 A.M. at Roselawn Cemetery. Visitation Tuesday, September 21, 2004 from 4 P.M. until 7 P.M. at Alexander Funeral Home in Norco.