Robert Graves

MADISON-Robert Lee Graves, age 89, of Madison, passed away Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. Robert was born on Oct. 31, 1923, in Madison to George Allen Graves and Mable (Yates) Graves. Robert graduated from Madison West High School in 1942. In his senior year at West, World War II broke out and he enlisted December 8th, joining the 306th Bomber Group. He served three years overseas in England and was awarded the Presidents Citation, Citation of Honor, the Good Conduct Medal and the Victory Medal. Robert returned to Madison in August 1945. Robert worked at the Celon Company in Madison where he met his wife, Phyllis Ladd. Robert and Phyllis were married Nov. 16, 1946 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison. He attended the University of Wisconsin and in 1950 joined the Madison Police Department following in his father, George Graves’ footsteps. He started his career walking the beat in the Park/Regent area, worked the riots in the 70’s, and put in extra hours for games at Breese Stevens Field & shows for the Madison Theatre Guild. Robert retired in 1978 after having spent many very rewarding years as an Officer and Sargent with the Madison Police Department. He was recognized for his exemplary work in Safety Education and was awarded the Madison Citizen of the Year Award. Safety Education was his primary focus with Bicycle Safety, School Safety Patrols, and Crossing Guards being some of his initiatives he was known for. After his career at the MPD, Robert pursued a career in Real Estate. He obtained his Brokers license, opened his own Real Estate business & became an instructor for the Wisconsin School of Real Estate. He also was elected and served four years, as a Supervisor on the Dane County Board and many years as an election official. Robert was President of Schenk School PTA, coached his son’s baseball team and helped with Boy Scouts. Camping in Wisconsin every summer made for many family adventures and memories. Robert was a member of the Masonic Lodge #5 and a 33 Degree, Madison Elks Club, VFW Life Member, Professional Police Association- Retired, and life member of Bethel Lutheran Church. In retirement he loved to golf and made a hole in one at Odana Golf Course. Robert and Phyllis traveled to many destinations including Hawaii, Norway, & many times to Florida. Robert also made a special trip to Canada fishing with his daughter, Debra and flew to Washington DC on the Honor Flight accompanied by his son, Dan. Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis on March 1, 2012; mother, Mabel; father, George; sister, Mabel; and brothers, James & George. Robert is survived by his children, Diane Graves of Appleton, Donna (Steve) Parks of Middleton, Daniel (Vicki) Graves of Madison, and Debra (Kyle) Derke of Bloomington, Minn.; eight grandchildren, Brad (Paula) Abplanalp, David (Jessica) Parks, Michael Parks, Ross Parks, Jennifer (Travis) Brown, Megan, Nicole and Paige Derke; seven great-grandchildren; niece, Jackie (Shayne) Davids; brother-in-law, David (Nancy) Ladd; sister-in-law, Marion Ladd; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at Noon on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. A luncheon will follow the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow the luncheon at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday. Thanks go out to all of those that helped him through his final journey to be in a safe and happy place in heaven with the love of his life, Phyllis, his wife of 65 years. Memorials may be made to Bethel Media Ministries. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at Noon on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013.