Robert "Bob" Graves

Robert “Bob” Stoker Graves

August 13, 1926 ~ September 14, 2015

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather returned to his heavenly home on September 14, 2015, while surrounded by his family in his home following a courageous battle against cancer.  He was born on August 13, 1926 in Ogden, UT to Christian S. and Vera Graves.  He graduated from Weber High School and then entered the Army Air Force near the end of WWII where he served as a radio operator in Europe during the occupation.  He also served in the Air Force Reserves until 1955.  After returning home he continued his education at Weber College where he played football.  He then attended the University of Utah and earned the football scholarship award while also gaining his Bachelors and Master’s degrees in mathematics.  It was there that he met his sweetheart, Mary Kidman.  They were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on August 15, 1952.  He started his teaching career at South High School in Salt Lake City where he also coached the football team to their first State Championship in 1955.  Bob loved coaching, and he had a special love for all the kids he coached throughout the years. He was a math teacher for 37 years and also taught at Roy Jr. High, Clearfield High, Sunset Jr. High, with the majority of his teaching years at Layton High School.  He also farmed for over 53 years, mostly north of Plain City.

Bob was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He served in numerous callings including: Stake High Council, Councilor in the Bishopric, and Gospel Doctrine Instructor which he loved.  He also served as an ordinance worker in the Ogden LDS Temple for nearly 10 years until its closing for remodeling.  He had a great love of the Savior and the gospel.  His strong love and testimony had a great influence in many lives.

Bob is survived by his wife, Mary; six children, Greg (Lynne) Graves, Huntsville, UT; David (Connie) Graves, Brigham City, UT; Susan (Buck) Wilkinson, St. George, UT; Sharon (Cory) Chase, Pleasant View, UT; Steven (Sandra) Graves, Pocatello, ID; and Shaun (Teresa) Graves, Plain City, UT; 25 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, one brother, Donald; and three sisters, Verla, Beverly, and Janet.  He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, J’Coby Wilkinson.

He was known as an honest and generous man and will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all those whose lives he touched.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 18, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Plain City 2nd Ward Chapel, 2952 North 4200 West.  Friends may visit with family on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s North Ogden Mortuary, 2140 N. Washington Blvd.  and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.  Interment, Plain City Cemetery.

Special thanks to Peak Specialty Group for their excellent hospice care that made his last days more pleasant for him and his family.