Frederick "Howard" Graves

Frederick “Howard” Graves was born February 14, 1938, to Benjamin Frederick Graves and Jewell Pansy Howard Graves in Norman, Arkansas. He passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 19, 2022.

As the eldest of five children, Howard had to grow up fast in order to help his mother take care of his younger siblings after the unexpected death of their father in 1955. Howard was able to ease some of the family’s financial burdens when the school superintendent offered him a job as a bus driver, even though he was just a senior in high school. He graduated from Norman High School in 1956.

Following graduation, Howard enrolled in the U.S. Trade School in Kansas City, MO, where he received formal training in automotive repair. He returned to Montgomery County and found work at Paul Roberts’ Gulf Station, then later worked as an auto mechanic at Roberts’ Garage in Mount Ida. Under Paul’s mentorship, he gained several years of valuable field and shop experience. It was during this time that Howard was introduced to many of the job skills that would carry him forward on his career path.

While working in Mount Ida, Howard met and married the love of his life, Patsy Jo Scott, on November 30, 1962. During this time, Howard became a member of the U.S. Army Reserves for six years before joining the 223rd Combat Command Squadron of the Air National Guard in Hot Springs. Howard’s 32 years of military service was always a great source of pride and the training associated with it gave him many opportunities to travel in both the U.S. and abroad. These trips were the source of many memorable life experiences and stories over the years.

Howard’s extensive work experience earned him a position as the Mechanics Instructor with the Ouachita Job Corps in Hot Springs for 9 years. His federal service employment would continue as a heavy mobile equipment mechanic at the U.S Army Corp of Engineers’ Ouachita Field Office for 17 years. That work led him to his final position as the forest-wide Automotive and Mobile Equipment Repair Inspector for the U.S. Forest Service in the Ouachita National Forest based in Hot Springs. He retired in 2001.

Following his formal career, Howard’s most challenging and possibly rewarding role was as caregiver to his beloved wife, Patsy, during her extended illness, a job done with love, care, dignity, and compassion. Howard was a devoted husband who cherished Patsy until her death in 2010.

One of Howard’s greatest passions/hobbies was tinkering with and restoration of vintage farm tractors. He was a proud and active member of the Rusty Relics Tractor Club.

Howard was preceded in death by his parent, and his wife of 47 years, Patsy. He is survived by his brothers, Larry Graves (Patsy), Ralph Graves, Stan Graves (Paula), and his sister, Linda Graves Mitchell, along with many nieces, nephews, and a host of cousins and friends.

Howard was a member of the Norman Methodist Church, where he attended services for many years and where his family were founding members. He loomed large in our family and will be missed by all that knew him. He was a loving and generous man.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 PM, Wednesday, November 23, 2022, in the Smith Family Funeral Home Chapel in Glenwood with Bro. Jeremy Graves and J. Frank Scott officiating.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, at the funeral home.

Interment will be in the Shockey Chapel Cemetery with full military honors provided by the United States Air Force Honors Team.

Pallbearers will be Gary Graves, Craig Mitchell, Stephen Mitchell, Alec Shilling, Allston Shilling and Matt Scott.

Honorary pallbearers will be Frank Scott, Andy Shilling, Lowell Black and Bryan Whisenhunt.

In lieu of flowers, memorials and donations may be made to Shockey Chapel Cemetery at 364 Smith Creek Road, Norman, AR 71960.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Montgomery County Nursing Home staff for the care given to Howard over the last months of his life.

Guest registry is at www.smithfamilycares.com.