Obituary for Ronald Louis Graves

Ronald Louis Graves, 70, of Olathe, Kan., passed Monday, December 10, 2018, at his home. A visitation will be 1–3 p.m., Sunday, December 16, at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, Olathe Chapel. Friends and family are welcome to an open house at the family’s home from 4–6 p.m., Sunday, following the visitation. A graveside service will be 11 a.m., Monday, December 17, at Olathe Memorial Cemetery. 

Ron was born June 15, 1948, in Fort Scott, Kan., to Louis Albert and Blanche Idella Graves. He was a graduate of Fort Scott High School and Emporia State University, and served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He spent his career in the insurance industry, most recently as Chief Development Officer and consultant for MAX Insurance, Inc. 

He loved spoiling “Blue”, the love of his life of 43 years. Annual fly and topwater fishing trips with his friends and son were a favorite time of year. In the last few years Ron adapted easily to being Papa to his granddaughter Evie, the only other person who agreed that ice cream for lunch is an acceptable meal. He also enjoyed riding his Harley, working on his Corvettes and classic cars, and tinkering in the garage.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Linda J. Graves, daughter Stefanie Henderson and her husband Keith of Lawrence, Kan., son Brian Graves and his wife Lisa of Prairie Village, Kan., and granddaughter Evelyn Henderson of Lawrence, Kan. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Toys for Tots at www.toysfortots.org or the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.