Albert Lee Graves, 92, of Vincennes, passed peacefully in his sleep on Monday, November 25, 2024. Albert, more affectionately known by his friends and family as Big Al, had been a lifelong resident of Vincennes. Albert was born to William Graves and Maefair Reed on July 20, 1932. He waspreceded in death by the love of his life, the former Gloria June Longest. Albert and Gloria were married on December 22, 1953. They had been married 56 years upon Gloria’s death on July 14, 2010.
Albert’s life was filled with many adventures as a child and an adult. He was active in Boy Scouts and later became a Scout Leader, influencing many young men in Vincennes. He loved to swim and spent most of his summer days at Rainbow Beach. He also loved baseball, playing for Vincennes Lincoln and the American Legion as a first baseman. The team at Lincoln was the first to compete since the end of World War II. Albert enjoyed traveling and his favorite adventure was when Gloria and he made a trip to Montana to visit some of Gloria’s family. They allowed themselves as much time as they wanted to get there and back and spoke about the trip for years afterward.
Albert was a 1950 graduate of Vincennes Lincoln High School. Following graduation, he was drafted into the army and later stationed at Fort Myer, VA, where he was selected to be an Honor Guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He performed those duties from 1953 through 1954. His duties also included standing guard for the President at wreath laying ceremonies and for dignitaries lying in state. Following his discharge, Albert returned with Gloria to civilian life in Vincennes. From there he worked a series of jobs ranging from gas station attendant, to running a bread route for Wonder Bread, to factory work at Presto-lite and finally custodial work at Tecumseh-Harrison.
Though not a highly educated man, Albert knew the value of education and emphasized that to his children, making sure they all attended college. He was involved in what is now Tecumseh-Harrison School, traveling with a team of educators to Arizona to learn about the Follow Through Program and how to implement it in Vincennes. He was also involved in the school’s PTA and always helped with the school’s Spring Festival.
Albert’s favorite football team was the Green Bay Packers, and he shared that loved with his family. Multiple generations of family members have become staunch Packers fans and shareholders. Albert made several trips to Green Bay to attend games, to go to the shareholders meeting and to attend the players charity softball game. Albert was also a huge fan of Indiana University basketball. One of his prized possessions was a letter he received from Coach Bob Knight.
Albert enjoyed country music, particularly Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. He was a big fan of westerns and spent most of his final days watching Gunsmoke and Bonanza. He also enjoyed the movie, My Cousin Vinny, watching it numerous times.
Above all, Albert was a family man and put his family first. Though he sometimes worked two jobs, he did it to make life better for Gloria and his children. He would rise early and work long days but never complained because he was doing what he thought best to provide for his family.
Albert leaves behind four children: Terri Shields (Bob), Rick Graves (Betsy), Tammy Graves and Tim Graves (Natalie). Grandchildren: Courtney Shields, Jordan Shields (Jamie), Kylor Shields, Ian Graves, Kellie Wagoner (Ryan), Andrea Graves, Aly Graves and exchange granddaughter Juli Leyrer (Tim) from Germany as well as six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his stepbrother, David Reed and stepsister, Darlene Jones Beall.
A funeral will be held on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 1:30 PM at Thursday Church, 218 Main Street, Vincennes, IN. Visitation is from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, also at Thursday Church. Dress for the funeral is casual. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you donate Albert’s name to either Thursday Church or Gracie’s Pay-It-Forward, which helps provide meals for those in need.
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