Kenneth Joseph Graves, Sr.

Kenneth Joseph Graves, Sr. passed away peacefully on November 14, 2024. He was born on April 24, 1929, to the union of Freglia “Buddy” Jospeh Graves and Helen Starks Graves in Madisonville, Louisiana. Kenneth was the only child born of this union. Sadly, his mother passed away following his birth.

Kenneth spent much of his childhood and teenage years in Madisonville, Louisiana the birthplace of his mother. He loved the piney woods of Madisonville and the freedom the small town afforded. While in Madisonville, Kenneth developed lifelong friendships with many of his classmates and relatives. He moved to New Orleans, Louisiana following the marriage of his father, Buddy, to Mable Haydel and gained a brother, Curtis Graves and a sister, Margaret Haydel.

During his teenage years, Kenneth realized that it was time to seek employment. He began to work alongside his father at one of the two family-owned service stations, Butsy and Buddy Better Service Stations in New Orleans, Louisiana. One was located uptown on Washington Avenue and the other was downtown, on London Avenue. Kenneth worked at the London Avenue station. However, his work in the family business was short lived; he was drafted into the military, serving his country with distinction for 4 years in the US Army. After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to New Orleans, Louisiana.

It was during this time Kenneth met, fell in love with, and married, the love of his life, Joyce Signal Graves. Married on November 19, 1955, they enjoyed 69 years of marital bliss. Their union was blessed with three cherished children, Kristi, Kenneth, and Kurt. Kenneth was a devoted husband to Joyce and a loving father to his children. He loved spending time with his family. His greatest joy was attending family events and fishing. During his spare time, he could be found working on projects for his family and friends, as well as pulling a slot machine handle with his beloved wife Joyce who was always by his side.

Shortly after their marriage, deciding to pursue a career in the construction trades, Kenneth sought specialized vocational training and became a master carpenter. His love for his work led him to become a contractor. Remodelling, building, and renovating residential homes became his speciality. Kenneth was hard working and dedicated; he built numerous homes in the greater New Orleans area. In addition to building, he also invested in a subdivision, Haydel Manor, located on the Westbank. He worked as a contractor until his retirement in 2007.

Kenneth had many friends in New Orleans and never hesitated to help someone in need. He was a member of the Royal Gents Social Club for more than 50 years. Kenneth loved his association with the Royal Gents; he was a full participant in the many picnics, dances and other events the club sponsored. Kenneth was also an avid fisherman. He was never alone on his boat during his many fishing trips. He would always have family members or friends along as they chased the many fish species that lived along the Louisiana coastline. He would spend most Wednesdays and/or Fridays fishing with his dad or anyone that was available. He would always share his daily catch with neighbors and family. In his later years, he joined a carnival club, Tuns of Fun, and would always be in charge of the construction of the floats until Katrina forced him and Joyce to move to Houston, Texas.

Kenneth was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. Kenneth will be remembered for the way he lived, the lives he touched, and for the profound impact he had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Freglia “Buddy” Graves and Helen Starks Graves; his loving mother, Mabel Graves; his beloved wife, Joyce Signal Graves, and his only brother, Curtis Graves.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory; his devoted daughter Kristi G. Hubbard (Michael); his loving sons, Kenneth J. Graves, Jr. (Linda) of Kingwood, TX and Kurt M. Graves (Belinda) of Spring, TX; nine grandchildren, Michael C. Hubbard II, Megan M. Hubbard, Kyle S. Hubbard, Kenneth J. Graves, III, Lindsey M. Graves, Kurt J. Graves, Miguel A. Graves, Joseph A. Graves, and LeAnn M. Graves; his six great grandchildren, Miguel C. Graves, Melody M. Graves, Madison G. Vicknair, Londyn J. Graves, Kennedy J. Graves and Kenneth J. Graves, IV; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, close relatives, and very special family friends. His legacy will continue in the lives of all whom he loved.

Family members, friends, parishioners of St. Paul the Apostle and St. Martin de Pores Catholic Churches, employees of Hubbard and Tennyson and Innovative Strategic Partners Team; members of Omicron Lambda Omega of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc; and Crescent City (LA) Chapter Links, Inc. are invited to attend the Memorial Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 11:00a.m. at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124. Recitation of Rosary at 10:00a.m., Visitation at 10:15a.m. until Mass. Fr. Charles Ndumbi, SVD, Celebrant. Interment at Metairie Cemetery in All Saints Mausoleum.

The family would like to invite you to visit the online guestbook at www.lakelawnmetairie.com and share a favorite story of Kenneth’s.