Marshall Graves

Marshall Graves was a man who never sat on the sidelines. Whether it was serving in the Army Air Corp in WWII, or serving as a board member on numerous committees, Marshall was always willing to do what he could. As a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a highly respected member of his community, Marshall's life greatly impacted the lives of many people, and imprinted his memory in their hearts. Marshall's story began in 1921, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Those were good days in this country, times of peace and prosperity, at the dawn of the Roaring 20s and the Prohibition era. On April 9, 1921, proud parents Roy Graves and Rosalie Haak were blessed by the birth of their third son, Marshall Warren Graves. He had two older brothers, Roy Jr. and Charles, who would always be there to look out for him. The family moved to Houston, Texas, where Marshall would lead a happy childhood and adolescence. His father, an artist, supported the family by painting billboards, while his mother devoted her time to making a loving home for their family. As a child, Marshall already had developed a knack for staying busy. He was involved in the Boy Scouts, and enjoyed playing sports, mainly baseball and tennis. In 1938, Marshall proudly graduated from John H. Regan High School. From there, he went to Texas A to study Geology. However, the world was soon swept into a great conflict. Itching to be part of the action, Marshall quit school after two years to join the Army Air Corp and defend his country in WWII. Marshall started his pilot training and even had some solo flight time before being medically discharged due to problems discovered with his ear. With his medical discharge from the Army, a very disappointed Marshall found himself forced down a different path. It was a blessing in disguise. He got a job at a bank, The Guardian Trust Company in Houston. He eventually moved to San Antonio and worked at several other banks. In a short time, Marshall met Veronica Carskadon, an employee at the same bank. Veronica, originally from Muskegon, Michigan, had come to San Antonio with a girlfriend for work. Marshall's interest in Veronica grew, and the two got to know each other by sharing a bus ride to work. The couple would always say that they courted on the bus. On April 8, 1944, Marshall and Veronica were joined in marriage. A short year later, the newlyweds were blessed with the birth of their first daughter, Marsha. Veronica decided that it was simply too hot in Texas, so the small family moved to her hometown of Muskegon, Michigan, settling into a home on Washington Avenue, right across from Muskegon High School. Marshall got a job as an accountant at Muskegon Federal Savings and Loan, where he was one of only four employees. They lived so close to the bank Marshall walked to work every day, and for years the family didn't even own a car. Marshall and Veronicas family grew quickly, too. In 1946 his first son Marshall Jr, or "Hoss" was born, followed by son Henry "Hank" in 1947, Roy in 1953, and Roger in 1954. The Graves family regularly attended St. Jean's Catholic Church, where Marshall was an active member, being a Eucharist Minister and Lector, and also serving on the Finance committee. In 1965, tragedy struck the family. Veronica died unexpectedly from a heart attack, an event which was devastating to Marshall. Struggling to raise a family of five alone, Marshall's mother moved to Muskegon to help him with the children. In September of 1966, Marshall attended a dance at the Elks Club, where he was a lifelong member. At this dance, he was introduced to Annella Romano Puella, a widow who worked at a bank in Grand Haven, and was a Sunday School teacher at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. It was love at first sight. The two were married on January 7, 1967. Marshall was a very hard worker, and was extremely dedicated to his job. Over the years, as the bank grew, Marshall prospered at his job and was promoted over the years. He became treasurer, then Vice President, President, and finally, in 1971, CEO. Marshall was also a very active member of the community, and served on the boards of Salvation Army, United Way, Chamber of Commerce, Urban League, West Shore Mental Health, and The West Shore Symphony Orchestra. He was also very active in Trade Organizations for the Bank, and was very proud to have served as the Vice Chairman for the Federal Home Loan Bank in Indianapolis along with numerous other Committees and associations. He and Annella took advantage of traveling to meetings around the country by adding a few days to their trips so that they could see the sights. They particularly enjoyed the annual Savings and Loan Meeting at Mackinac Island. Marshall and Annella loved to go dancing, and were Charter Members of the West Shore Jazz Society, which was responsible for bringing Dixieland Jazz concerts to town each year. Apart from being an extremely busy man, Marshall also had a great sense of humor, and showed a great deal of love to the community and to the people he worked with. In 1986, Marshall retired. He was very proud that the bank had always been successful, remained profitable, and was locally owned and operated. Even though he retired, Marshall in no way slowed down. He remained active in the community, with his family, and his wife. In his retirement, Marshall enjoyed wintering in Gulf Shores, Alabama, playing poker in a monthly poker group of old bank employees, and spending quality time with his children and grandchildren. In 1999, Marshall started slowing down his activities some. They moved to Ferrysburg, where they became members of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Spring Lake. Eventually, the busy years started to take their toll on Marshall's body. On June 15, 2008, he sadly died in his home, surrounded by his loving family. During his life, Marshall was a devoted father, grandfather, and husband. He cheerfully and willingly served others, and earned the respect and love of a community. He was full of activity, devoted to his church, and took great joy in his accomplishments. Marshall's life left a mark on his community, and though his memory will never fade in the minds of those he knew and loved, Marshall will be greatly missed. Marshall is survived by his wife, Annella; sons, Marshall 'Hoss' (Marie-Louise Nelson) Graves Jr. of CA, Henry 'Hank' (Jean) Graves of Muskegon, Roy (Karma) Graves of Muskegon, Roger (Gayle) Graves of FL; daughter, Marsha (John Shepherd) VanLente of Muskegon; 9 grandchildren, David (JoAnn) VanLente, Veronica (John) Scrimshaw, Brian (Molly) Graves, Karen (Richard) Miller, Bruce (Aerin) Graves, Simon Graves, Jamie (George) Anderson, Jennifer (Kirk) Porter, Christopher Graves; 11 great grandchildren, Zachary VanLente, Ethan VanLente, Kodi Lynn VanLente, Isaac Miller, Sophie Miller, Owen Graves, Eli Graves, Jack Scrimshaw, Ella Graves, Samantha Graves, Kaley Anderson; and brother, Roy Graves of OK. He was preceded in death by granddaughter Danielle Graves. A service to celebrate Marshall's life will be held Friday, June 20, 2008, 11:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Spring Lake, with Fr. Leonard Sudlik officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with his family on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-9 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home of Muskegon, with Scripture service at 8:45 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Nurse Services & Hospice, Noah Project, or St. Mary's FIOF Fund. To share a favorite memory or sign his online register, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.