Jack Graves

Funeral service for T. Jack Graves will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 13, at the Harvest Baptist Church. Pastor Tim Lindsey will officiate. Burial with military honors by the U.S. Army will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery under the direction of the Musgrove-Merriott-Smith Funeral Service & Crematory. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Thurs. 1-8 p.m., and family will greet friends 6-8 p.m.

T. Jack Graves passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2012, at the age of 85.

The son of David and Hazel (Anthony) Graves was born January 8, 1927 in Anadarko, Oklahoma. He spent his early childhood there, before moving to Claremore. There he attended a one room schoolhouse at Westside Elementary. At age 16, he began his military career in the Navy. In 1949 T. Jack was inducted in the United States Army where he continued his career from WWII until retirement in 1967. His military career included the Korean War. His tours of duty also included the Pentagon, and his last duty assignment at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Aberdeen, Maryland. He was a pilot flying helicopter and fixed wing aircraft all over the world. After retiring, he returned to Claremore. Wishing to further his education, he attended the University of Nebraska, earning a degree in Military Science. Upon completing his undergraduate degree, he entered law school at The University of Tulsa earning his Juris Doctorate degree. Following graduation, he was admitted to the Oklahoma Bar Association and began practicing in Claremore, Oklahoma. In Claremore he served as City Attorney, and Assistant and District Attorney for Rogers, Craig and Mayes Counties, serving for more than 11 years. As a dedicated citizen of Claremore, Jack served his community in many ways. He served on the boards of Claremore City Council, Claremore Junior College and Claremore Regional Hospital. He was active in his church as well has practicing Law in private practice, and taking many pro bono cases for local people and organizations. In his spare time he was a mentor, and enjoyed golfing and spending time with his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents David and Hazel Graves; brother Bill Lee Graves, and sister, Delourice Casey.

Survivors include his wife Angie of the home; daughters, Libby Fairchild of Bixby, Janice Bennett and husband Steven of Bixby; son Billy Jack Graves of Oologah; step-son, Andy McKerrow of Claremore; grandchildren, Clinton Graves Wallis M.D. of Oklahoma City, Edward Fairchild III of Los Angeles, Miranda Jordon Fairchild of Tulsa, Jason Bennett of Bixby, Jared Bennett of Owasso, Aaron Bennett of Tulsa, Rachel Delaney of Broken Arrow, Wyatt, Warren and Jack Graves of Oologah, and Alexandria McKerrow of Claremore; sisters Betty Johnson and husband Pat, Denise Hedgepath, Darla Davis and husband Jimmy, David Ann Ward and husband Carl; 11 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.