George F. Graves, a long time resident of Logan, Kansas passed away in the early morning hours of July 7, 2020, at the age of 87 years.
George Frank Graves was born September 27, 1932 in McFarland, KS. He was the youngest of six children born to William F. and G. Theresa (Flach) Graves. At the young age of nine, George lost his father in a tree cutting accident. After his father’s death, George and his mother moved to Alma, KS. Growing up in Alma held many adventures for George. Being the youngest child, by many years, his older siblings doted on him. They took him fishing and hunting as often as they could. George graduated from Alma High School with the class of 1950. He attended one year at Kansas University before coming back home to Alma. On August 23, 1958, George married MaryDel Higgins in Logan, KS. To this union 7 children were born: Thomas, John, Daniel, Michael (deceased), Anne, Richard, and William.
George was an avid scout and held many positions over the years including: Cubmaster, Webelos Leader, Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster, Explorer Advisor, Order of the Arrow Chapter Advisor, Troop Committeeman, District Committeeman, Asst. District Commissioner of Coronado Area Council-Tomahawk District, District Commissioner, and he was a member of the Executive Board for planning at Salina. He was Scoutmaster for Troop 124 in Logan for 35 years. During this time, he helped many kids earn merit badges, took them to Scout camp at Camp Hansen, on High Adventure Trips, hiking in Philmont and canoeing in Minnesota. He took the troop on weekend trips to the scout campground near Logan, as well. Many life long skills were taught during these adventures. He was so proud of his 5 sons who all earned their Eagle Scout Award, the highest award in scouting. He was also very proud to call two of his grandsons Eagle Scouts, Joshua and Keegan Graves. So even though George never earned the Eagle Scout Award he leaves a legacy in his family of 7 Eagles. Over at Camp Hansen he is known as “Father of Eagles''. For 44 years, George was a scout, helping out even after he retired from scouting.
George was a carpenter by trade. He built the house in Logan, along with the help of his sons, in which he lived and raised his family. George’s handiwork can be seen in many homes in Logan and Northwest Kansas as well as surrounding communities. Many items were lovingly built by him for MaryDel and his children. George loved working with wood.
George’s grandchildren were the light of his life. They too benefitted from his skill with the saw and hammer. He made them toy boxes, farm sets, doll houses, trains, cars, etc. A cradle, rocking horse, and a rocking chair were built for his grandbabies to enjoy. For many years, Dad had a train set erected in the basement storage room for his grandchildren’s enjoyment. Dad loved seeing their faces light up when the trains went speeding around the tracks..
George was preceded in death by his parents, William and Theresa, all of his siblings Edmund, Bill, and Vincent Graves, Viola Allen and Agnes Yantz. His infant son Michael, and his wife of 58 years, MaryDel, whom he loved dearly and missed immensely.
He is survived by his children. His 5 sons: Thomas of Logan, KS; John(Heather) of Castle Rock, CO; Daniel(Susanne) of Splendora, TX; Richard(Cindy) of Bel Aire, KS; and William of Georgetown, KY. His daughter Anne(Rodney) Palen of Beloit. Eleven grandchildren Collin and Austin Gold, Kevin Kellner, Joshua, Keegan, and Matthew Graves, Caleb, Alison, and Vincent Palen, Kalie and Logan Graves. Five great-grandchildren Grayson, Jameson, Bennson, Kynslie, and Mason. His sisters-in-law, Virginia “Gingy” Baskett(Marvin), and Michaeleen “Mikey” Flores, both of Mesa, AZ . And many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Cremation was planned. Due to the Corona Virus, the family will have a private graveside service 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 14th at the Pleasant View Cemetery, Logan. The service will be steamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel FaceBook page. There will be a memorial mass at the St. John Catholic Church in Logan at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Logan Intergenerational Project or Boy Scouts.
Logan Funeral Home, Logan, KS, is in charge of the arrangements.