Robert Duane Graves, age 84, of Perry, Oklahoma passed away 25 August 2021 in Oklahoma City.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, 31 August 2021 at 10 AM at First Baptist Church in Perry, Oklahoma with Mike Dvorak and Allen Dunn officiating. Those unable to attend the ceremony may attend virtually on the Trout Funeral Home website www.troutfuneralhome.com and click on the live-stream or toolbar icon on the top right corner after 9:45AM.

Robert will be laid to rest at Grace Hill Cemetery, Perry following the service.

Robert was born 11 November 1936 in Seminole Oklahoma to Cagle and Vernie Graves. On 24 August 1961, Robert married the love of his life, Sylvia. Together they raised five children.

Robert proudly served his country in the United States Army for 40 years from 16 July 1958 until his retirement 30 November 1997. Robert began his military career as Nike Hercules Missile Crewman in the 517th Field Artillery and the 22nd Field Artillery at Fort Sheridan Illinois. He served in the Oklahoma National Guard with units at Konawa, Holdenville, Seminole. Perry, Sperry, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City. He also served tours of duty in Honduras, Thailand, Alaska, and Japan. He served in the 2/279th Infantry, the 1/179th Infantry, the 45th Aviation Special Operations (Airborne) Battalion and Oklahoma Military Department. Robert served as Special Administrative Assistant to the State Air Defense Officer of Illinois Anti-Tank Platoon Sergeant, Medical Platoon Sergeant, Acting First Sergeant, Battalion Personnel Staff NCO, Operations Sergeant as Master Sergeant E8 before being appointed as Chief Warrant Officer CW2, Battalion Military Personnel Technician on 6 June 1973. Mr. Graves’ final assignment was Chief Officer Records for the Oklahoma Military Department where he was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer CW5. Mr. Graves served with distinction in all duty positions held and was recognized and decorated on 21 different occasions for his exemplary duty. Robert was an avid follower of all Perry Maroon sports. After his military retirement, he became the sports writer for the Perry Daily Journal where he traveled all over Oklahoma taking pictures and writing for all Perry events. Robert enjoyed playing golf with all of his “old” golfing buddies as well as his sons and grandson. While Robert’s sons were growing up, you could find him coaching one of their Little League baseball games. Robert loved spending time with his family, his grandchildren and great grandchildren. His love for music was evident as he would play and sing his many guitars and banjo. He also played on various bowling leagues and was involved in the Perry American Legion.

Survivors include: three daughters, Rhonda Hodge of Edmond, Valerie Norman (Lyn) of Perry, Marsha Sobonya (Chris) of Stillwater and Laguna Beach, California; two sons, Chris Graves of Broken Arrow and Lance Graves (Brandi) of Stillwater; grandchildren, Lauren Irons (Brandun), Shadow Jay, Gratt Hodge (Katie), Augustus Hodge, Duane Reese (Michelle), Ryan Graves, Jade Coleman (Nick), Madison Leifheit (Bryce), Angelo Tsanaklidis, Arrow, Tryton, and Macarthy Sobonya, Maddi and Jacob Flowers, and Cagle and Silvia Graves; 8 great grandchildren; and God daughters, Charity Forman and Leia Sigler.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia; his parents, Cagle and Vernie Graves; brothers, Bill and Jimmy Graves; sister, Bernadine Minter; and Cory Jay.