Richard "Sonny" E. Graves

Mr. Graves was born on October 20, 1941 in Tyrone; a son of the late Joseph N. Graves and Edythe M. (Caldwell) Graves.

He was a 1960 graduate of Tyrone Area High School.

Mr. Graves was a United States Air Force Veteran having served during the Vietnam Era as a Second Class RegAF. He was stationed at McGuire Airforce Base in New Jersey and Sheppard Airforce Base in Texas as an air force jet mechanic. While on leave from Vietnam, Richard 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 also been a greeter and stocker at Walmart Supercenter Store, 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.

Mr. Graves was a member of the Clearfield American Legion Post 6, where he served as past Commander for the Legion, and was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Post 47. He served on the Clearfield Borough Council, Clearfield Airport Authority, and past member of the Clearfield Lions Club.

Richard is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Libbi” (Wiggins) Graves; two children: Jenifer (Ron) Cureton of Cheltenham, PA and Shawn Graves (Rebecca) of Clearfield; four grandchildren: Camryn and Nyla Cureton, Graeson and Gabrielle Graves; a brother, Joseph Graves (Mary) of Detroit, MI; and a niece, Tracie. He leaves behind many loving relatives along with many friends who 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 the American Cancer Society, 108R North Second St., Suite 1B, Clearfield, PA 16830; American Diabetes Association, 300 Penn Center Blvd., Suite 602, Pittsburgh, PA 15235, or the American Legion Post 6, 210 S. 2nd Street, 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.