Mr. Larry Joe Graves

Larry Joe Graves was born on August 15, 1945 to the union of William Howard Graves and Dorothy Ann Graves in Fulton, Missouri. His parents preceded him in death. Larry was educated in Fulton, Missouri Public Schools attending Carver Elementary School and later was a graduate of Fulton High School. He furthered his education at Penn Valley Community College and Northeast Missouri State University where he earned a Major in Business Administration. Larry was baptized at the age of 15 at Calvary Baptist Church, Fulton, Missouri under the leadership of Pastor Rev. Isaac Smith, he later united with the Rickland Baptist Church, Fulton, Missouri. In 1969 he moved to Kansas City, Missouri and in 1972 he united with the St. Stephen Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. John W. Williams. He was very active in several auxiliaries that included Usher Board No. 2, Vice President of the General Usher Board, Deacon Board, Male Chorus, BTU, Sunday School Adult Class No. 2 and the Finance Committee. His mentor was the late Deacon Freeman Keyes. Larry was united in marriage to the former Nancy L. Graham on June 13, 1970, and to this union two children were born. She also preceded him in January 14, 2007. He was enlisted in the U. S. Marines Corp serving for twenty years until he retired as a Master Sergeant. He was employed by the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier and was later promoted to supervisor and later to customer services and special delivery messenger until his health began to fail in 2007, after thirty-seven years of service. He enjoyed fishing, golf, and bowling. Larry was a loving father, husband, brother, grandfather, and uncle who will sorely be missed by all his family and friends. He departed this life on Friday, January 12, 2024 at St. Luke' s Hospital. He leaves to cherish his memory, one son, Joel N. Graves; one daughter, Joya N. Graves-Stevens (Richard), Kansas City, MO; one brother, Rev. Donald E. Graves (Carolyn); and one sister, Carolyn Ann Graves-Pasley; three grandchildren, Justeen; Nicholas; and Natalie Graves; a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends. Funeral services Monday, January 22, at 11:00am at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. Interment Leavenworth National Cemetery. Visitation 10:00am-11:00am at the church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Mr. Larry Joe Graves

August 15, 1945 - January 12, 2024