Allen Lloyd Graves, 80, died July 7, 2024, at HaysMed, Hays. He was born Aug. 21, 1943, in Hoisington, the son of James and Velma (Moore) Graves. In 1962, he graduated from Hoisington High School. He then served during the Vietnam War with the United States Navy from 1962 until 1966.
A lifetime Hoisington resident, Allen worked for Sound Control and later retired from the City of Hoisington as the water plant operator 3. He was a member of the V.F.W. and a former officer in the American Legion Post #286, Hoisington. An avid motorcycle enthusiast, he was proud to ride as a member of the Legion Riders. Allen spent time with his children hunting and fishing and coaching their sports teams. He also loved his appaloosa horses, and his Welsh corgi dogs, but especially loved attending all of his grandchildren’s events.
He is survived by his two children; Shawn (Christine) Graves of Topeka, and Stacey (Randy) Hitschmann of Beaver; and two sisters, Donna Ritchie of Ninety-Six, S.C., and Darleen Demel of Hoisington; a brother, Jimmy Graves of Herculaneum, Mo.; six grandchildren, Jason Vasquez of Claflin, Jennifer (A.J.) Medina of Castle Rock, Colo., Nicole (Joe) Cotton, Natalie Graves, Ryan Graves, and Raelynn Graves, all of Topeka; and two great-grandchildren, Derrick and Naomi Cotton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother-in-law, Tom Demel.
Per Allen’s wishes cremation has taken place. Friends may sign the book now until service. Family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Daniel Vandenburg presiding. Burial with military honors will follow in Hoisington Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post #286 in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Notices may be viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net