Gary L. Graves

Gary L. Graves, 68, of West Branch, MI passed away on May 6, 2024, at home surrounded by his family after a long battle with Parkison’s Disease.

He was born on Dec. 23, 1955, in Flint to Lewis and Hazel (Miracle) Graves.

Gary attended Ogemaw Heights High School and later earned his GED. Gary owned a business, Gary & Sons Swings & Things, where he created cedar yard swings, wishing wells, lawn ornaments and pretty much anything made out of wood. In 2019, he retired from the Ogemaw Public Transit after 26 years.

He loved fishing, spending time with his children and grandchildren, swimming, camping, rodeos, and woodworking.

Gary married Fern Risley on Aug. 25, 1979, in Clio, Michigan. The two were inseparable for nearly 45 years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Fern; four children, Shawn (Gary) West, Michelle (Mark) Fedder, Joe Graves, Zac (Brittany) Graves; seven grandchildren, Kaitlynn, Caleb, Makayla and Briellen West, and Coltin, Levi, and Natalie Graves; sisters, Janet Graves, Fern Rembowski, and Nora Mears; and many nieces and nephews, including “favorite” niece Angie Brookshire.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Hazel; sister, Ann Boucher; two infant brothers, Terry and Randy, and many other loved ones he will be joining in heaven.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Ogemaw Hills Free Methodist Church at 3480 W. M-76 in West Branch with the funeral service starting at 1 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Campbell Corners Cemetery with a luncheon to follow back at Ogemaw Hills Free Methodist Church.

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch. Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com