William Graves

Rev. William Richard Graves, 86, a resident of Davenport, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family on Friday, August 12, 2016.

Funeral services celebrating his life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at Risen Christ Lutheran Church in Davenport. Burial will be at Davenport Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 16th at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf. Memorials may be made to Risen Christ Pre-School in Davenport or Trinity Lutheran School in Marysville, Ohio.

Born on June 20, 1930 in Marysville, Ohio, Richard was the son of Harry John and Edna E. (Rausch) Graves. On July 16, 1950 at Springdale Baptist Church in Marysville, he married the love of his life, Jacqueline Lee Reed. She preceded him in death on October 29, 2011.

Richard knew at an early age that he would step into the Lord’s service. He completed seminary at Columbus in 1956, and he served several congregations in Ohio and Iowa. During his ministry, he mentored many men who served the Lord in various ministries. He came to Davenport to begin a 25-year commission with Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, where he retired in 1998. Following his retirement, he became a member of Risen Christ Lutheran Church. Richard enjoyed his work serving others and the Lord and was generous to numerous charities serving those in need. He enjoyed Bible study groups, fishing in northern Minnesota, gardening, carpentry and farming. Richard cherished his time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Those left to honor his memory include his daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy and Craig Franzeen of Guthrie Center, Iowa, Lisa and Mike Botz of Davenport and Becky and Brad Harper of Bettendorf; his son Carl Graves of Davenport; nine grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Nancy Polenz and Sandra Evans, both of Ohio.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and one son, John.