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Marvin W. "Butch" Graves

By: Dawalt Funeral Home

Marvin W. "Butch" Graves, 85 years of age, of Bonita Springs, Florida passed away on March 24, 2024. He was born May 21st, 1938, in Salem, Indiana to the late Bruce M. and Irene Graves. Marvin was a graduate of Salem High School and then enlisted in the United States Airforce. Upon returning home he attended Indiana University Southeast. Marvin was then employed at United Parcel Service for thirty years. Marvin was a person who genuinely loved his family and lived his life to the fullest.

On October 4th, 1969, he married the love of his life, Diana (Grant) Graves. They were happily married for 54 years. Marvin is survived by his wife Diana, his three children, Jessica (Todd) Desmond of Sellersburg, Ind., Tiffany Graves (Eric Leins) of Las Vegas, Nevada and one son Tyler Grant Graves (Sandhya) of Indianapolis, Indiana. Marvin was the proud grandfather of four grandchildren (Nolan, Wyatt & Lily Graves and Leland Desmond). He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Carolyn Wedgewood of Mitchell, Indiana.

Being the ever-lucky man, he was employed as one of the first groups of UPS employees in Indiana in 1962. Marvin spent his 30 years of employment doing everything from washing trucks, to management. Marvin was a dedicated and loyal United Parcel Service employee, as well as a compassionate and humorous co- worker. Marvin was quoted as saying, “UPS gave me the greatest life you could ever imagine.”

Marvin enjoyed 34 years of retirement, dividing his time between Indiana and Florida. He volunteered his time, kindness, and compassion with The Paralyzed Veterans of America, he was a lifelong supporter of St. Jude’s Research hospital and Father Flanagan’s boy’s home. One of his proudest accomplishments was being a benefactor to The Hearts Remembered Memorial at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana. This memorial honored the unidentified children of Indiana’s orphanages.

He attended First Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs, Florida. As a proud veteran he participated in the First Presbyterian Church Veteran Outreach Program.

As a young boy he played and dreamed of being a western gun slinger, even making his own cowboy boots out of his mother’s high heels. His love of all things cowboy, extended to his admiration of his lifelong role models, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers.

Marvin retired and spent his last 30 years golfing with friends, playing Bocce, and travelling with Diana. As a founding member of the Palmira Country Club, he enjoyed dancing at the club, and spending time with beloved friends old and new. Lately, he treasured watching his grandchildren’s many athletic events with pride. Marvin was an avid IU basketball fan and regular viewer of CNBC.

With a tall build and striking white hair, Marvin was easily noticed and loved by all. For those that knew him he was the true southern gentleman. Marvin loved the woods on his property and was a devout animal lover. Marvin was a highly skilled athlete in his youth and played both basketball and volleyball for his Air Force base in Charleston, South Carolina.

Services will be held in Salem, Indiana at Dawalt Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 1st, 2024, from 4-8pm. On April 2nd, visitation will from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on April 2nd at 1:00 p.m. Grave site services will be held at Crown Hill Cemetery in Salem, Indiana.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, April 7th in Bonita Beach, Florida at the Palmira Golf and Country Club.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you honor Marvin Graves by holding your family members close and telling them how much you love them.