Richard E. ?Sonny? Graves, 76, of Clearfield died Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017 at the DuBois Nursing Home.
Mr. Graves was born Oct. 20, 1941 in Tyrone, a son of the late Joseph N. Graves and Edythe M. (Caldwell) Graves.
He was a 1960 graduate of the Tyrone Area High School.
Mr. Graves was a U.S. Air Force veteran who served during the Vietnam era as a Second Class RegAF.
He was stationed at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey and Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas as an Air Force jet mechanic.
While on leave from Vietnam, he was involved in a serious car accident, which left him hospitalized for a year and later honorably discharged from the Air Force.
He worked for Penelec and retired in 1987. He had been a greeter and stocker at the Wal-Mart Supercenter Store; he also worked and drove truck for Clearfield Borough and Recycling.
He went to Northeast Technical Institute of University of Scranton to earn his truck driver?s license.
Mr. Graves was a member of the West Side United Methodist Church of Clearfield.
He was a member of the Clearfield American Legion Post 6, where he served as a past commander. He was also a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Post 47.
He served on the Clearfield Borough Council and Clearfield Airport Authority. He was a past member of the Clearfield Lions Club.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth ?Libbi? (Wiggins) Graves, and two children, Jenifer (Ron) Cureton of Cheltenham, Pa., and Shawn Graves (Rebecca) of Clearfield.
He is also survived by four grandchildren, Camryn and Nyla Cureton and Graeson and Gabrielle Graves; a brother, Joseph Graves (Mary) of Detroit, Mich.; and a niece, Tracie.
He leaves behind many loving relatives along with many friends, all of whom will miss his sense of humor, stories and caring presence.
Mr. Graves was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
A Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to: American Cancer Society, 108R N. Second St., Suite 1B, Clearfield, PA 16830; American Diabetes Association, 300 Penn Center Blvd., Suite 602, Pittsburgh, PA 15235; or American Legion Post 6, 210 S. Second St., Clearfield, PA 16830.
To send online tributes please, go to www.bennettandhouser.com or www.mem.com.
Arrangements are under the care of the Bennett & Houser Funeral Home Inc. of Clearfield.
