John William "J.W." Graves

John William (J.W.) Graves, 84, of Omaha passed away Sunday, July 21, 2013 at Bement Health Care Center in Bement, IL. J.W. was born November 27, 1928 in Atkin township, South of Omaha, IL, the son of John Ezra and Neva Marie (Rister) Graves. He married Joyce Ann Talbott June 22, 1949. He retired from farming and union boiler maker work in 1994, but continued his life-long work in oil field related occupations until his illness early this year. He was a 55 year member of the Omaha Masonic Lodge and also a member of the AHAVA Shrine. He attended the Omaha Baptist Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Cottonwood. He enjoyed the outdoors and had many hobbies including hunting, fishing and playing golf with family and friends. J.W. is survived by his wife Joyce of Carmi; three sons and a daughter-in-law, Gary Graves of Champaign, John T. Graves of Greenup, and Kevin and Dale Ann Graves of Monticello; grandchildren Julie, David, Kaley, and Colin Graves. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Hayward S. Graves. Visitation will be at Vickery Chapel in Omaha on Tuesday, July 23 ^rd from 5 to 8 p.m. with Masonic Rites at 7 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday July 24 ^th at Vickery Chapel at 1 p.m. Internment will be at Bethlehem Cemetery in Atkin. Internet condolences may be made at the website, www.vickeryfuneralchapel.com.