Mr. Richard Edward Graves

Richard Edward Graves (Rickey) was bom on August 11, 1947 to the union of Charles Richard Graves and Dorothy Gertrude (Claytor) Graves in Freeman, West Virginia. During the 1950's Rickey's parents moved e family to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he grew up and resided until his passing on August 16, 2018, four days after celebrating his 70th birthday. Rickey was a proud MPS student and graduated from Rufus King High School in 1966, excelling in math and science. Rickey met his future wife Delores Walker while in high school. Their union was blessed with two beautiful daughters Vera Lynn and Renee Denise. After graduating, he joined his father to work at the Ladish Company as a machinist. In less than a year, Rickey left Ladish to serve in the military, but returned to work alongside his father. Together, they rode to work, lunched, and made memorable stories for their co-workers for many years. Rickey retired from Ladish in 2008 after more than 30 years of service. Rickey entered the United States Army in 1967 and served in the Vietnam War. He received several honors including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal-Bronze Star, and a rare Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was a sharp shooter with the rank of Private First Class and washonorably discharged in 1969. He enjoyed traveling, playing cards, and was a master self-taught chess player. He was looking forward to teaching his grandson one day. Rickey was a lover of music, especially Jazz and R&B. He was an avid pool player and was the Vice President of the Littletown Pool League and Captain of the Big Mans team. Rickey was always will to lend his culinary talents as the Grill Master at every Graves Family function. As a small boy, Rickey developed a close bond with his Auntie Vera which grew stronger through the years. For the past several years, he and his Aunt Vera (96 years young) lived together taking care of each other until his passing. Richard Graves was preceded in death by his parents, Charles R. and Dorothy G. Graves. He leaves to cherish his memory his children Vera Lynn Graves-Davis (Chad) and Renee Denise Graves Barber; his siblings and in-laws Debra A. Eastern-Hall (Eddie); Todd A. Graves (Martina); one grandchild, Christopher H.A. Davis; aunt Vera P. LeBlance and uncle and aunt, Donald and Sylvia Claytor; nieces, Shana B. Eastern, Azarea (Koi Donaldson) Graves, and Milan Brown; nephews, Keenen Graves, Noah Graves, Aaron Graves and Julian Dowdy; many special great-nieces, cousins, and loyal friends. He will be deeply missed by all!

Mr. Richard Edward Graves

August 11, 1947 - August 16, 2018