Robert Earl Graves

from natural causes in the comfort of his own home and surrounded by his family. Robert was

considered to be loving, friendly, cheerful, humorous, and kind. He had a lot of friends and easily

made new friends with anybody he met. He was the life of any conversation and always looked at the

positive of any situation, no matter how hard life sometimes was. He enjoyed watching sports,

especially the Iowa Hawkeyes, playing cribbage and card games with friends, watching a good movie

with a tub of popcorn, and spending time with his sons and grandchildren whenever he could. Robert

was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to everyone.

Robert was born July 24, 1937 in Dubuque, IA to Robert and Kathryn (Flaucher) Graves. At age 7,

Robert and his siblings were placed in the care of the state and he spent most of his childhood in the

Iowa Soldier’s Orphans Home (now the Annie Wittenmeyer Home) in Davenport. When Robert was 16

he went to live with Alvin and Barbara Mohr and their sons: Dennis, Alan, Larry, and John on their farm

in Eldridge, as part of a work program with the orphanage. While he was never legally adopted, he

considered the Mohrs his family throughout his lifetime, calling them his mom, dad, and brothers. He

graduated from Davenport High School in 1955 and later enlisted in the Marine Corps, proudly serving

for 4 years, including time as a marksmanship instructor. After his military service, Robert stayed in

California and was employed by Skyline Motorhomes in Riverside as head of sales and

purchasing. On February 12, 1966, he was united in marriage to Frances F. Chacon in Hemet, CA. In

1973, he became co-owner of Burnham & Graves Fastener Distribution in Riverside, which remained

in business for over 25 years. After selling the business, he was employed by Imperial Fasteners in

Santa Fe Springs, as head of sales and purchasing, until his retirement.

Those left to honor his memory include his beloved wife of 54 years, Frances; his sons Derek Graves,

Gavin and Amy (Delgado) Graves and their sons Kesler and Dylon, and Kevin and Michelle (Hawkins)

Graves and their sons Miller, Spencer, and Lochlan; Bob’s brothers John (Graves) Hadenfeldt and

Tom (Graves) Precious; his sister Carolyn (Graves) Felker; his adopted mother and brothers, and

many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Robert is preceded in death by his infant son Darren; his brother Jim (Graves) McKendrick; his sisters

Sandra (Graves) Pullman and Sally Ann Graves; his biological parents, and his adopted dad.

A viewing and rosary will be held on Tuesday, February 11th from 4:30 until 8:00 PM, with the rosary

beginning at 6:30 PM, at Draper Mortuary (909-986-1131), 811 N. Mountain Ave. Ontario, CA

91762. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, February 12th at 11:00 AM at St. Josephs &

Immaculate Heart Church (909-824-0323), 1090 W. Laurel St. Colton, CA 92324. A burial service with

military honors will be held following the funeral mass, at 1:00 PM at Riverside National Cemetery,

22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA 92518. A celebration of life (reception) will follow at his

home, 7611 El Arco St. Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730.

The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to all who who have been so deeply caring to

Robert and his family during these past weeks. We know he touched so many lives.