Walter A. Hargraves
Walter A. Hargraves, 89, died
Monday (July 16, 2007) at Kansas Christian Home in Newton. He was born Feb. 17,
1918, to Walter L. and Estella R. (Ingalls) Hargraves. On Dec. 20, 1942, he
married Mildred F. Dobbs in Enid, Okla. She preceded him in death May 5, 1972.
He then married Virginia L. Kerschner on Jan. 14, 1973, in McPherson. She
survives at home. He served his country during World War II in the U. S. Navy.
He retired in 1987 as a colonel in the U. S. Army Reserve. He earned his
masters of divinity from Phillips University in Enid. He served churches in
Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado. He also was a field director for the
American Red Cross, serving in Vietnam. He also counseled for Alcoholics
Anonymous. He was a member of the Lions and Kiwanis Clubs and also a member of
the Masonic Lodge 123 AF & AM Holdenville, Okla. He also was a member of
the Shrine. He enjoyed doing programs for children in hospitals as a Shrine
clown. He enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his loving family and many
friends.
Survivors include his wife; a
son, Walter A. Hargraves Jr. of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; daughter, Paula Lashley of
Clemmons, N.C.; stepson, Jerry Kerschner of Oklahoma City; stepdaughters, Terri
Grooms of Wichita and Carla Lowry of Junction City; brothers, Abbott Hargraves
of Lufkin, Texas, Charlie Hargraves of Houston and Rodger Hargraves of Waco,
Texas; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren;
and 10 step-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by
his parents, sisters, Margie Hargraves, Elenora Hargraves and Ethel Lacky,
brothers, Marvin Hargraves, Charles Hargraves and James Hargraves.
Service will be at 3 p.m.
Saturday, July 28th at First Christian Church in Newton with the Rev. Gary Bell
officiating. Private burial will be at McPherson City Cemetery in McPherson.
Memorials may be made to
First Christian Church, Kansas Christian Home, Fellowship of John Fund, Odyssey
Hospice and American Red Cross in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
