Robert H. "Arky" Graves' Obituary
Robert H. (Arky) Graves, age 87 from Sapulpa, Oklahoma passed from this life on the 6th of September 2015 at Tulsa Retirement & Health Center. He lived a long, great life. Robert was born on the 20th of January 1928 in Boone County, Arkansas to parents Marion E. Graves and Mary Jane (Gifford) Graves. He grew up and attended school in Alpena, Arkansas and was drafted into the US Army at the end of WWII where he served as a truck driver and Military Policeman in Germany. He received an Honorably discharge from the service and moved to Oklahoma in the early 1950’s. He worked as a truck driver and was a life-long member of Teamsters Local 523. Robert is survived by his wife Bonnie L. Graves, as well as his children Harold Dean Graves, Bobbie Jean McElyea & husband David, and David Shaw & wife Kim. Grandchildren include: Tony Graves, Steven Graves, Lorie (McElyea) Jannsen, Jennifer (McElyea) Kiley, Brittany McElyea, Justin Hawley, Stephanie Hawley, Magen Paige Johnson, John David Shaw, Joshua Cain Shaw, and seven great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Elanor Fern Ohler and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers (Carl, Jim, Clyde, Raymond, JD, and Johnie), and four sisters (Ula May Graves, Cora Belle Presley, Sara Lee Graves, and Betty Moore). He was also preceded in death by his daughter Herlena Kaye Graves (Hawley/Johnson). Visitation is from 6 to 8 PM at Floral Haven Funeral Home located at 6500 S. 129th E Avenue in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Funeral services will be 9:30 am Saturday, 12 September 2015 in the Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel, with short grave side service will follow. After the service a gathering to celebrate Robert’s life will occur at the Knotty Pine BBQ in Broken Arrow, as it was his favorite place to eat. For additional information, please contact Floral Haven at 918-252-2518. If you wish to contact the family, please call David at 254-681-5321.
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