Frank Austin Graves, 89, of Tuttle, passed away at home with his family by his side.

Frank was born in Denver, Colorado on September 19, 1935 to Harvey and Elva (Jackson) Graves. Frank's family moved to western Oklahoma in 1938 where he spent his childhood and teen years. At age 17, Frank graduated from Independence School in Custer County. During high school, Frank saved up money to attend a trade school in Texas for electronic repair. Shortly after graduation, he bought his first car and headed down to Wichita Falls, TX to pursue his dream. Close to his 18th birthday, Frank knew that he was going to be drafted soon, so at the urging of his friend that was in the Army, Frank enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served for 8 years as a Radioman 1st Class Petty Officer. Frank was stationed in San Diego, California; Submarine Squadron 10, USS Tusk; New London, Connecticut; Naval Communication Center, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. His radio training came in handy during his time in Pearl Harbor, as he had a special task of decoding and delivering messages to various Navy departments.

After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Frank settled in California. He began working for Bank of America servicing bank machinery and equipment. While at work he met the love of his life, Bettye, who also worked at the bank. Their first official date was at the Anaheim Ball on New Year's Eve of 1962. After a short courtship, the two drove to Las Vegas and were married on February 15, 1963. Frank and Bettye relocated to Oklahoma in 1963, where they started their family. They were blessed with 4 children Michael, Mary, Mark and Melissa. Frank was a loving husband and father. In the late 1970's Frank and Bettye moved out to Tuttle and never left. They were members for many years at Woodland Hills Baptist Church in Newcastle where they made some great friends and memories.

Frank worked in Architectural Engineering managing and specialized in graphic design. He worked directly with printing designs and layout for countless clients over the years. Frank retired in 2000 and was able to enjoy more time with his family. Frank enjoyed camping when he and Bettye had their pop-up trailer. They made some unforgettable memories with their children and grandchildren on countless camping trips. Frank enjoyed working in his vegetable garden and just enjoyed being in nature. He was often feeding the birds and squirrels near his home. When his grandson Jack was younger, the two went fishing often. Frank was a family man. He loved his family dearly and worked hard to provide for them.  Frank will be remembered for his kindness and love for his family.

Frank was preceded in death by his:

Wife, Bettye Graves;

Father, Harvey Graves;

Mother, Elva Brown;

Sister, Margie Hendrickson;

Survivors include:

Son, Mark Graves and his wife, Teri;;

Son, Michael Graves and his wife, Shelly;

Daughter, Mary Nguyen;

Daughter, Melissa Holman and her husband, David;

Son, Scott Graves

Sister, Audrey Haneline;

Sister, Dee Myers;

Thirteen Grandchildren: Ashley Kurtz and her husband, Dustin; Emily Nguyen, Matthew Holman, Jackson Holman, Luke Holman, Alexis Lawrence and husband Michael, Aryanna Graves, Bailey Beard, Brittany Graves, and Brooklyn Graves; Austin Graves and his wife, Leah; Season Graves; and Autumn Morris.

Four Great Grandchildren: Cameron Kurtz and Brady Kurtz; Lyla Lawrence and Charley Lawrence