—
John Thomas “Tom” Graves of Red ‘Arc Farm, Northwest Lamar County, died Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012. He was 78 years of age.
He was born in Marked Tree, Ark. but spent most of his life as a Texan. He was a graduate of Weatherford High school (1951), Texas Wesleyan College (1955), Perkins School of Theology at SMU (1958) and University of Edinburgh (1959). Tom received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Southwestern University in Georgetown in 1979. He was the father of Lauren Shaw of Plano and Mark Graves and daughter-in-law Michelle Graves of Plano.
He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Preston, Collin and Melinda Shaw, of Plano; his brother-in-law, Dick Crawford and wife Eleanor, of Paris; his nieces, Julia Trigg Crawford and Allison Crawford of Direct, Texas; and a nephew, Paul Crawford, of Davis, Cali. He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Linda Crawford Graves, and by his parents, Guy Crawson Graves and Louise Jester Graves.
Tom served the North and Central Texas Conferences of the United Methodist Church for more than 50 years as an ordained elder. He pastored several congregations and also served as a district superintendent of the Sherman McKinney District. He served on the executive committee of the Board of the Texas Methodist Foundation and was chairman of the Grants Committee. In 2010, he was the recipient of the “Medallion of Merit,” Texas Methodist Foundation’s highest award. During the last 10 years, Tom wrote a series of books reflecting on his life experiences in ministry.
A memorial celebration of his life will take place at Grace Avenue United Methodist Church, 3521 W. Main Street in Frisco, on Saturday, Sept. 8, at 1 p.m. with Revs. Billy and Laura Echols-Richter officiating. Private interment will be in the family cemetery at Red ‘Arc Farm on Sept. 9. Arrangements are under the direction of Dannel Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to the Grace Avenue United Methodist Church Building Fund specified for Tom Graves Hall or to the Thanks Giving Fund with Texas Methodist Foundation in Austin.
Dannel Funeral Home
302 South Walnut Street Sherman, TX 75090
(903) 893-1171
Obituaries
Related Photos
-
John “Tom” Thomas Graves
The Democrat welcomes comments. Inappropriate language or comments outside our standards will be removed. No guest or anonymous comments allowed.
August 31, 2012
John “Tom” Thomas Graves
- Obituaries
-
- O.B. Jordan
- Frederick Melvin Ellis
-
Ardith Lorene Porter Horne
-
Lee Clayton Coffey
-
Zonrae “Ray” Russell
-
James W. White
MINERAL WELLS – James W. White, 77, of Mineral Wells, died May 17, 2013, at his residence.
-
Hugh McCoy Geyer
Hugh McCoy Geyer, 82, of Weatherford, died May 16, 2013.
-
Joe E. Randle Sr.
Joe E. Randle Sr. died May 10, 2013.
-
Debra Jane Clay
Debra Jane Clay, age 56, of Weatherford, passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at her residence.
-
Rev. Dr. Byron A. Lamun
Rev. Dr. Byron A. Lamun, 78, of Weatherford, died Wednesday morning, May 15, 2013, at his residence.
- More Obituaries Headlines
Jodi Arias: Death Penalty Would Cause More Pain
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
