Joshua Michael Graves, 33, of Willard, MO, went to be with the Lord Friday, March 3, 2017. He was born July 4, 1983 in Springfield, MO, to Michael and Vicky Graves. He committed his life to Jesus Christ and was baptized at Hamlin Baptist Church on Mother’s Day 1991.
Josh was a teacher and coach and spent most of his career in Willard and Humansville Public Schools. He held a master’s in Athletic Administration from William Woods University, a bachelor’s in Physical Education from College of the Ozarks and was a graduate of Willard High School. He played basketball and baseball at Willard and basketball at C of O, where he was a part of the 2006 NAIA DII National Championship team. Josh was named “Champion of Character” and “Student Athlete of the Year” at C of O. Josh was known for his quick wit, infectious humor and sincere care for others. He was especially drawn to serve kids who were disadvantaged in some way. He rarely missed an opportunity to crack a joke and would light up every room he entered with laughter and love. He was also a talented artist and enjoyed creating drawings for family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his Grandmothers, Nadene Cooper and Darlene Hansen and an uncle, Charles Farr. He is survived by his parents, Michael and Vicky Graves; sister Amanda Graves; grandfathers Kenneth Cooper and Bill Graves; uncles and aunts Steve and Ralene Graves, Ed and Michelle Mankoski, Kathy Farr, and Susie and Kyle Nichols; cousins Rocky Settles and wife April, Annie Farr, Alisha Goin and husband Travis, Andra Mankoski, Rebecca Hermans and husband Andrew, Anna Mankoski, Stephanie Graves, Dalton Nichols and Dakota Stevens. In addition, Josh has a host of friends, former teammates, coaches and players that he absolutely loved!
Visitation will be 5-8 pm Friday, March 10, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East and the funeral at 11 am Saturday, March 11, at Ridgecrest Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers the family has established the Josh Graves Kids to Camp fund at
YouCaring.com/Josh . All proceeds will go to improvements and scholarships to Baptist Hill Camp in Mt. Vernon, a place that has been special to Josh and his family.