Alvin A. Graves Jr., passed away on May 31, 2016 in Mesa, AZ at the age 91. Al was the oldest of seven children, born Dec. 7, 1924, to Alvin and Pauline Graves in Kokomo, Indiana. He moved to Phoenix with his family at the age of 3. The family farmed where Sky Harbor Airport is now located. He served in WWII in the Fourth Armored Division, fighting in The Battle of the Bulge. After the war, he returned to his work as a watchmaker at Tom Chauncey Jewelers in downtown Phoenix. Al married Elaine McRaven in 1951 and they had 7 children together. He later started working for AirResearch Manufacturing Co. (Honeywell). Elaine died in 1964. Al met Phyllis Horner and married her in 1966. Raising 11 children together they moved to Lehi, AZ where they had farm animals and a huge garden. He retired in 1982 as a Project Manager. Al & Phyllis moved to Prescott, AZ and had a lot of fun traveling around the country gathering antiques to bring back to their shop. Al had an infectious laugh and enjoyed playing practical jokes. He liked fishing around Arizona and gardening but most of all he loved his family.
Al is survived by his wife Phyllis, children, Gail Martelli (Gary), Eddie Horner(Liz), Carol Watkins (Randy), Carl Graves(Yong), Tina Calhoun, Neil Graves (Peggy Marie), Carolyn Rubideaux, Susie Smith (Whitney), Danny Horner (Ivonne) and Nancy Farnsworth, 21 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren and his brother Robert in CO. He is predeceased by daughter Jan.
The family suggests memorial donations in Al’s name to Infinity Hospice Care of AZ 602 381-0375 or Honor Flight AZ.928 381-0375
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, June 10, 2016 at Whitney and Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 East Indian School Rd., Phoenix. Inurnment at 1 p.m. at National Memorial Cemetery of AZ, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd. with a memorial celebration 2-6 p.m. at Knights of Pythias Hall at 1606 E. Apache Blvd. in Tempe.
SHERRY RUCKMAN
Our Condolence’s and prayer go out to Phyllis and her family in their time and need. Al was such a nice person,
He is our neighbor that lived up the street, He will be missed. Sorry to see him go. GOD Chose Alvin to come home with him, He will have special plans for him.
Sherry Ruckman
Ron Murphy
Mesa Az.