Obituary of Donald Hubert Graves

Donald Hubert "Don" Graves, age 88, husband of Juanita Blevins Graves, Lancaster, KY passed away on April 14, 2024 surrounded by his family. He was born to the late Hubert Faas Graves and Nina Penn Graves of Franklin County, Kentucky. Along with his devoted wife of 38 years, he is survived by his loving children, Betsy (Steve) Anderson, David N. Graves, Darren T. (Katie) Graves, Ronda Cain and a special son in law, Garry (Tammy) Hisel. Don is also survived by two brothers Mike (Linda) Graves and Dana (Rachael) Graves, two sisters Nancy Graves Richardson and Jan Graves Noonan. He was predeceased by his parents and three children of his blended family, Kevin Snedegar, Tammy Hisel, and Tara Earles. Through this large family he was Granddaddy or Papaw to many grandchildren, great grandchildren and yes, even great, great grandchildren; nieces and nephews were in abundance. Much love was shared among this huge family.

Don graduated from Elkhorn High School, and continued his formal education with degrees from Purdue University, University of Florida and a Ph.D, from the University of Kentucky. His professional and research careers were varied, but all focused on leaving a better land for those who followed. It included many research projects and scholastic papers, work with the Kentucky Division of Forestry, Mountain Forestry Company, NARECON, Inc. and his beloved University of Kentucky. He wore many hats during this part of his life, even building fires in a pot bellied stove when he was stationed in Quicksand, Kentucky, These included service forester; consultant to many coal and reclamation companies; statewide extension agent, program development & leadership and interim chair Department of Forestry at the university. One of the highlights of his life was the opportunity to spend 1982 working with Senator Wendell Ford, Kentucky, as a senate aide in Washington DC. He was also proud to say he had helped plant millions of trees. He held membership in many professional associations, and wrote many scholastic documents and research papers. They aren't included in this obituary because he wanted to be remembered for the human side of his life and, as he said, not boring statistics.

Don and Juanita met while at the University of Kentucky through working on an annual program, “The Symposium on Hydrology, Sedimentogy and Reclamation” attended by many mining and associated individuals. Upon retirement and before, they were able to travel extensively and made many friends while enjoying the fruits of their labors with family, friends and neighbors beside the waters of beautiful Herrington Lake in Garrard County, Kentucky.

Although he certainly could be addressed as Dr. Graves, he was “Don” to all he met. Never pretentious, always loving and making others comfortable in his presence. Even through his illness he made others as comfortable as possible and was willing to cooperate with his treatments every way he could. We wish to thank all those who supported him and his family through this final difficult journey. Your thoughts, prayers, attendance, and support was very much appreciated. A very special thanks to Ephraim Memorial Hospital doctors, nurses and staff. Our neighbors and friends will always be remembered, thank you. In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity in Don's name. Please join us in Celebrating the Life of Don Graves.

A funeral service will held for Donald Graves on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 11am at Clark Legacy Center-Brannon Crossing, Nicholasville. Burial with a graveside service will immediately follow at Bluegrass Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 5-7pm on Friday, April 19, 2024 at the funeral home.