Albert Graves

Albert Lee Graves, 92, of Vincennes, passed peacefully in his sleep on Monday, November 25, 2024. Albert, more affectionately known by his friends and family as Big Al, had been a lifelong resident of Vincennes. Albert was born to William Graves and Maefair (Hatton) Graves on July 20, 1932. He married the love of his life, Gloria June Longest on December 22, 1953, she preceded him in death on July 14, 2010. He was a regular attendee of Thursday Church and in recent years faithfully watched online.

Albert’s life was filled with many adventures as a child and an adult. He was active in boy scouts both as a scout and a leader, influencing many young men. He loved to swim and spent most of the summer at Rainbow Beach. He had a love for baseball, playing first base for Vincennes Lincoln and the American Legion. Lincoln’s team was the first to compete following the end of World War II. He also enjoyed being on a bowling league, pitching horseshoes and playing euchre with friends and family. In his last few years playing BINGO at Fox Ridge Manor and Brickyard Healthcare Center were highlights of his week.

Albert was a 1950 graduate of Vincennes Lincoln. Following graduation, he was drafted into the Army and was stationed at Fort Myer, VA, where he was selected to be in the Honor Guard, from 1953 - 1954. Duties included guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, standing guard for the President at wreath laying ceremonies and for dignitaries lying in state. Following his discharge, he and Gloria returned to Vincennes where he was employed as a gas station attendant, a bread route driver for Wonder Bread, at Prestolite Battery Factory and finally custodial work at Tecumseh-Harrison Elementary School. Following retirement, he very much enjoyed weekly lunches with “the teachers.”

Although not educated beyond high school, Albert knew the value of education instilling this in his children, making sure they attended college. As president of the PTA, he traveled with a team of educators to Arizona to learn and implement the Follow-Through Program, a continuation of Head Start at Tecumseh-Harrison.

Albert’s favorite football team was the Green Bay Packers, and he shared that loved with his family. Multiple generations have become staunch Packers fans and shareholders. Albert made several trips to Green Bay to attend games, a shareholders meeting and the annual players’ charity softball game. He was also a huge fan of Indiana University basketball and one of his prized possessions was a letter he received from Coach Bob Knight.

Albert enjoyed traveling, including many trips to the beaches of North Carolina with children and grandchildren. But when asked on their 50th anniversary what their favorite

memory was, both he and Gloria agreed it was a trip they took, taking their time driving to Montana to visit family.

Albert enjoyed country music, particularly Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. He was a big fan of westerns and spent most of his final days watching Gunsmoke and Bonanza. He also enjoyed the movie, My Cousin Vinny, watching it numerous times.

Above all, Albert was a family man and put his family first. Though he sometimes worked two jobs, he did it to make life better for Gloria and his children. He would rise early and work long days but never complained because he was doing what he thought best to provide for his family.

Albert leaves behind four children: Terri Shields (Bob), Rick Graves (Betsy), Tammy Graves and Tim Graves (Natalie). Grandchildren: Courtney Shields, Jordan Shields (Jamie), Kylor Shields, Ian Graves, Kellie Wagoner (Ryan), Andrea Graves, Aly Graves and exchange granddaughter Juli Leyrer (Tim) from Germany as well as six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his stepbrother, David Reed and stepsister, Darlene Jones Beall.

A funeral will be held on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 1:30 PM at Thursday Church, 218 Main Street, Vincennes, IN. Visitation is from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, also at Thursday Church. Dress for the funeral is casual. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to donate in Albert’s memory to either Thursday Church or Gracie’s Pay-It-Forward, which helps provide meals for those in need.