Donald Jeff Graves, 85 of Oakdale, CA passed away in Oak Valley Hospital on January 3, 2022, with his daughter Jan and granddaughter Megan by his side.
Don and his twin Ron were born in Ft. Smith, Arkansas on October 6, 1936, at 11:35 a.m. to Opal Sarah Vick and Willard Dave “Daddy Jack” Graves. Don was one of seven boys, including two sets of twins. The family moved to Oakdale, CA when he was seven years old. He attended Oakdale High School and graduated in 1954. He participated in both football and track.
Following high school, Don joined the Army as a refrigeration mechanic. He was stationed at Fort Ord, CA, then spent time in Germany during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, he owned his own trucking business in Oakdale. He then spent his career working in the beverage industry with the Miller and Coors brewing companies in sales.
Don was an avid Oakdale Mustang supporter, attending games up until last year, as well as a San Francisco 49ers fan. He spent his early years as a member of the National Drag Boat Racing Association serving as President, restored multiple old cars, and was a member of the (ECV) E Clampus Vitus Chapter 58.
Don is survived by his children Bryan Graves (Jacqueline), Jan Graves Hart, and Lisa Graves. He has seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren (the fourth due in February). He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ron, Vick, Dickie (child), and Richard.
Graveside Memorial services will be held at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson on Monday, January 24, 2022 at 10 a.m.. Livestreaming is available for the services on Facebook.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
Don and his twin Ron were born in Ft. Smith, Arkansas on October 6, 1936, at 11:35 a.m. to Opal Sarah Vick and Willard Dave “Daddy Jack” Graves. Don was one of seven boys, including two sets of twins. The family moved to Oakdale, CA when he was seven years old. He attended Oakdale High School and graduated in 1954. He participated in both football and track.
Following high school, Don joined the Army as a refrigeration mechanic. He was stationed at Fort Ord, CA, then spent time in Germany during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, he owned his own trucking business in Oakdale. He then spent his career working in the beverage industry with the Miller and Coors brewing companies in sales.
Don was an avid Oakdale Mustang supporter, attending games up until last year, as well as a San Francisco 49ers fan. He spent his early years as a member of the National Drag Boat Racing Association serving as President, restored multiple old cars, and was a member of the (ECV) E Clampus Vitus Chapter 58.
Don is survived by his children Bryan Graves (Jacqueline), Jan Graves Hart, and Lisa Graves. He has seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren (the fourth due in February). He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ron, Vick, Dickie (child), and Richard.
Graveside Memorial services will be held at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson on Monday, January 24, 2022 at 10 a.m.. Livestreaming is available for the services on Facebook.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
Jan. 19, 2022
