Jack Moran Graves
February 9, 1923 ~ April 23, 2019
Jack Moran Graves, 96, of Lexington, TX, passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 in New Braunfels, TX. Born on February 9, 1923 in Desdemona, TX, he was the son of the late Good Crawford Graves and Jessie Lowe Coffey Graves.
Jack graduated from Big Spring High School in 1941, then attended John Tarleton College on a football scholarship. Jack proudly served in the United States Army during World War II where he sustained leg injuries when his tank was hit by enemy bazooka fire. After the war he attended Sul Ross State University where he earned a degree in history and education. He intended to teach as his siblings had all done but instead entered the cattle business with his brother in law. He bought,sold and transported cattle until a drought shut them down. He was then selected for the Texas Liquor Control Board, where he began his 35 year law enforcement career. He became a deputy U.S. Marshall in El Paso, a Chief Deputy U.S. Marshall in San Antonio over the Western District of Texas, and retired as Chief Deputy in Topeka ,Kansas.
Jack was a member of the First Christian Church of Lexington and was also a member of the Texas Free Masons. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He would always get a gleam in his eye when he told a story about his Mother or Father. He was a people person and was always willing to lend a helping hand no matter who you were or where you came from.
Jack is survived by his sons, David Graves and wife Lyndi, Tommy Graves and wife Ginger, Robert Graves and wife Yolanda, and Joe Graves and wife Yolanda; seventeen grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law Linda Graves; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his son, Jack Moran Graves, Jr.; grandson Matthew; daughter in law Debbie; stepson Paul; one brother; and three sisters.
A memorial service will be held at the Lux Funeral Home Chapel in New Braunfels, TX on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack's name to the West Texas Boys Ranch, 10223 Boys Ranch, San Angelo, TX 76904.
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Remember all the fun times we had at the Coffey reunions in Brownwood and the Graves reunions when we were young. with all my dad’s sisters and Uncle Jack. Wish I could be at the memorial service with David,Tommy, Robert and Joe. Will be thinking about all of u on Saturday. Love, Nancy Graves George.
Jack was the last member of the “Greatest Generation” that I personally knew and I was so blessed to be able to call him friend. The members of First Christian Church In Lexington, TX will miss him dearly… We know he is surely celebrating with his loved ones and friends especially his beloved “Rosie”. Rest easy old friend…we shall meet again in the sweet bye & bye ❤
While Big Jack was the youngest he was the one every one came to him for advice. He was always fun to be around but he sure could make a story last an hour! He loved to tell jokes that sometimes you couldn’t even laugh at! So many he loved and his spirit will always be in our hearts. Love you forever my dear Uncle….Ginger Poe Stephens
While you celebrate Jack’s life today, please remember the good times you shared. He truly loved his family. I have known Jack since the 70’s mostly through telephone conversations. I worked (and finally retired) at the U.S. Marshals Headquarters and was responsible for dealing with Districts in the movement of Federal prisoners. Jack and I remained telephonic friends after his retirement and when I transferred to Houston in Seized Assets, his sister lived only about a mile away. I was fortunate to see Jack a couple of times in three years. I have and will consider him a true friend and I will miss him. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
My deepest condolences to Jack’s family. I met Jack in Lexington and he was an instant hit with everyone he met. Jack and I shared some good times, twisting off and visiting the George Bush library in his Mercedes. Going to the annual insurance dinners and just sharing stories. Jack was full of stories and he spoke so fondly of his boys and their families. Jack was a devoted christian who knew his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I have no worries about where Jack is, He is with His Heavenly Father. He sure will be missed in this world, But I know I will see him again in the next. Love, Pam