Lawrence Carroll Graves, 90, of Altona, passed away with his family at his side on Friday, December 15, 2023, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center.
Carroll was born on July 27, 1933, in Williamsfield. He was the son of Lawrence S. and Evelyn (Wolfe) Graves. He married the love of his life, Marian Goff at the Victoria United Methodist Church on September 23, 1953. Together they built and celebrated a life that would span 70 years, enjoying a celebration with family in September.
Surviving Carroll is his loving wife, Marian of Altona; children, Carolyn (Rev. William) Dustin of Burbank, Illinois, David Graves of Dahinda (Oak Run) and Dale (Michelle) Graves of Altona; three grandchildren, Paula (Steve) Rimes, Julie (Karras) Bishop and Tom (Katie) Dustin; ten great grandchildren, Dylan, Caleb, Dalton, Lacey, Malana, Abby, Kirra, Adalie, Bryce and Faith; siblings, Dorothy (Robert, dec.) Beetler, Louise (James, prev. Holland Beetler, dec.) Harris, Nancy (Neil) Keneipp, and Jim (Joyce) Graves. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Juanita Graves, Sam (Jane) Graves, Joe (Ruby, liv.) Graves, Larry (Mary Ann) Graves.
Carroll was a graduate of Williamsfield High School. He was a sargeant of the United States Army, having served in the Korean War. After returning home from the Army, Carroll went on to farm. He was a hard worker, retiring from the farm at 62, but would still be seen working at the farm or trimming and cutting down trees, and splitting wood. He was known for building docks and working along shorelines at Oak Run. He was a strong man of faith, helping to establish Bethany Baptist Church in 1969. He would be a Deacon for the church for many decades, where he was a diligent and faithful member until his death. The church was his second life, where was known as “Grandpa” to many of the children that attended Bethany Baptist Church. While he loved working at Oak Run where he enjoyed meeting people and sharing jokes, his family was the most important thing in his life. His love for his family was as strong as his faith. He was a kind, lively soul, who loved to laugh and tease. He was always quick with a corny dad joke. Carroll will be deeply missed.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Saturday, December 23, 2023, at Bethany Baptist Church, 215 N. Olin, Altona. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral at 10 a.m. Burial will follow the funeral in the Victoria Cemetery. Rev. Bob Nutzhorn will officiate.
Memorials may be made to the Bethany Baptist Church. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
