Elwood V. Graves

The Rev. Dr. Elwood Vincent Graves, 94, died of natural causes at his home in St. Cloud, Florida, on Friday, November 25, 2016. Dr. Graves will be remembered fondly as a pastor, a model husband, a devoted father, and as a man who articulated and demonstrated faith and compassion. Dr. Graves was born September 9, 1922, in San Francisco, California, but grew up in the Los Angeles area. He was the son of Eldon Graves and Leola Graves (Inman,) both deceased. Dr. Graves was graduated from Pepperdine College, Los Angeles. He received his masters degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary, San Anselmo, California, and his doctorate from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. Together with his wife, Veda Graves (Kuzmanic, deceased,) Dr. Graves pastored the La Rambla Presbyterian Church, San Pedro, CA; Beacon Hill Presbyterian, Seattle, WA; First Presbyterian, West Palm Beach; St. Andrews By-The-Sea Christian Church (Disciples of Christ,) Singer Island, FL; and served as a supply pastor at St. Cloud Presbyterian, St. Cloud, FL. He often remarked that his service to St. Cloud Presbyterian was his most rewarding and joyous calling. Dr. Graves was well-respected as a community servant. He helped establish Friends of Youth in Seattle, WA; founded the Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company in Palm Beach, FL, served as Board Chair of the Palm Beach Civic Opera, and was a Trustee at Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL. His greatest gifts, however, were his inspiring command of the pulpit, and his irresistible sense of humor. He is survived by his sister, Constance Fentiman (Graves,) Hanover, Pennsylvania; brother-in-law Joseph Kuzmanic (Lillian,) Indian Wells, CA; son Stephen E. Graves (Susan,) St. Cloud, FL; daughter Adrienne Graves, San Francisco, CA; son Timothy J. Graves (Deborah,) Palm Beach Gardens, FL; granddaughter Katherine E. Goerner, grandson Chrysostom J. Graves; granddaughter Amanda Graves, grandson Michael Graves; nephews David, Mark, and Brian Fentiman; great-grandson Rodney Fletcher, and great-grandson Chase Goerner. A memorial service will be at St. Cloud Presbyterian Church, 909 Tenth Street, St. Cloud, FL, on Thursday, December 8, 2016, with visitation at 3:30 PM and the service at 4:30 PM. The service will be led by the Rev. Hugh Lackey. Arrangements are through Fisk Funeral Home, St. Cloud, FL. The family requests that memorial gifts be directed to St. Cloud Presbyterian Church.

Elwood V. Graves

September 9, 1922 - November 25, 2016