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Roland (Ron) T. Graves, beloved (Papa), died peacefully at the age of 71 on Thursday, June 3, 2004. He is survived by his loving wife, Joan; and family, Sherry and Jeff Johnson of Albuquerque, Cyndi and Steve Sluder of Belen, Janet Graves of Belen, and Dawn and Ken Berge of Las Vegas, NV. His pride and joy included spending time with his four granddaughters, Elizabeth and Erica Sluder, Heather Graves, and Carson Berge. He is also survived by his two remaining brothers, James and Roger Graves and sister, Ava Sorrels, all of Indianapolis along with his loving nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Ron was born in Scottsville, KY in 1932 and retained certain "southern dialect" throughout his life, which always sparked humor. He moved to Indianapolis at the age of 13 and graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in 1950. He was then employed at the Allison Division of General Motors until enlisting in the Air Force in 1952. Ron married Joan in August of the same year. He served at several stateside bases as well as overseas tours that included England, Korea, Vietnam and Thailand. In 1977, after 23 years of dutiful service, he retired from the Air Force and moved to Rio Communities to begin a second career as a Postal Carrier in Albuquerque, NM. He worked at the Uptown Station for 17 years before retiring in 1997. Ron was a 27-year resident of Rio Communities and was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Belen. He and his wife recently celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary by renewing their vows that was attended by many family and friends. His life revolved around helping others and he generously contributed to his favorite charities. He was an avid bowler at Sugar Bowl Lanes and his pastimes included watching basketball games, old western movies and traveling with his wife. Services will be held Tuesday, June 8, 2004, 11:00 a.m., at First Baptist Church of Belen, 401 Becker, with Dr. Bruce Baker officiating. Interment will follow at Terrace Grove Cemetery in Belen. Pallbearers will be James Graves, Steve Sluder, Ken Berge, Jeff Johnson, Bob Struck, Marvin "Sugar" Glidewell and Al Rodriguez. Lunch will be served afterwards in the South Annex of the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association of NM, 216 Truman NE, 87108 or to First Baptist Church of Belen in his memory. French Mortuary 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE 275-3500
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