Return to Station Listings
|
Leonard W. Graves
Born: 4/30/1943
Died: 8/20/2026
Age: 83
Community: A Memorial gathering will be held at the Linden Sportsmen's Club, Linden, MI
|
Leonard W Graves, of Swartz Creek, Michigan, passed away on August 20, 2026, at McLaren Hospital in Flint. He was 83 years old.
Leonard was born on April 30, 1943, to Weston and Betty Graves (Abel). In 1966, he married Nancy Ellen Taylor, and together they soon began building the family that would become the center of his life.
Leonard worked for the Flint Board of Education in several different positions before becoming a school bus mechanic. He retired from that position at the young age of 49, giving him the time to pursue the many hobbies and interests that brought him joy.
He was a talented and dedicated craftsman. Leonard loved woodworking and took great pride in making special, one-of-a-kind heirlooms for his family and friends. He also enjoyed blacksmithing at Crossroads Village and was an accomplished maker of heirloom black powder muzzleloader rifles. His love of history led him to participate in American Revolution Era camp reenactments. He also shared his knowledge with others by teaching hunter safety and other gun safety courses.
Leonard was a man who could fix just about anything. Whether something was broken or someone simply needed a helping hand, he was always happy to lend his knowledge and skills. He found great satisfaction in helping others.
He also loved a good story—and he could tell one in a way that had everyone around him laughing right along with him. His stories, his humor, and his ability to make people smile will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Above all, Leonard was a family man. He was incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren and was especially grateful and happy to have lived long enough to meet and know his great-grandchildren. His family was his greatest source of pride and joy.
Leonard faced many challenges throughout his life and never let his health keep him down. Time and again, he fought to overcome whatever stood in his way. His strength, determination, generosity, and willingness to help others were an important part of who he was.
Leonard is survived by his children, David Michael Graves and Amy Katherine Graves (Cross) and her husband, Michael Cross; his sister, Janis Graves (Bugbee) and her husband, Kenneth Bugbee; his grandchildren, Weston Taylor Cross, Madison Emma Cross (Doering), and Anna Katherine Cross; and his great-grandchildren, Arden Celeste Doering and Julian Leonard Doering.
Leonard was loved deeply by his family and by the many people whose lives he touched. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, craftsmanship, kindness, and memories that will be treasured for generations.
He was loved. And we will miss him.
Memorial Gathering
A memorial gathering for Len will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Linden Sportsmen's Club, 14340 Hogan Rd., Linden, MI 48451.
Please come prepared to share your stories about Len and your memories of the relationship you shared with him, as we gather together and enjoy light refreshments.
Come as you are, share a story, tell a joke, laugh with us, and help us celebrate Len and the life he lived. |
Copyright © 2026 Direct Obits, LLC
| Visitation |
| Date: |
|
10/18/2026 |
| Time: |
|
1:00 PM |
A memorial gathering for Len will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Linden Sportsmen's Club, 14340 Hogan Rd., Linden, MI 48451.
|
|
|
| Funeral Service |
| No Service |
|
Return to Station Listings
|
|