Jack Dixon Graves

Jack Dixon Graves, formerly of Marlow, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 30, 2018, in Mansfield, Texas. He was 92.

Private graveside services were held Tuesday, July 10, 2018, at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, with full military honors with Chaplain Stan Short officiating under the direction of Wade Family Funeral Home of Arlington, Texas.

Jack was born in Marlow to the late Dixon and Ethel (Rogers) Graves on Wednesday, February 17, 1926. He was a lifelong resident of Marlow and moved to Mansfield, Texas in April. He graduated from Marlow High School in 1944. While still in high school he enlisted in the US Army Air Force Cadet Program and entered active duty after graduation and served during World War II. After the war ended, he returned and soon married Betty Louise Sparks in Rockwall, Texas. They had 68 wonderful years together until her passing on January 27, 2014. Jack graduated from Oklahoma University in 1950 with a B.S. Degree in Pharmacology. He then came home and began his lifelong career of caring for the sick and serving others by working for his father in the Jones and Graves Drug Store as a pharmacist. He became the eventual owner and operator of Graves Drug Store and served the residents of this area until he semi-retired in 1994 when he closed his drug store. Jack, being the servant that he was, continued to help where he could and often would fill in for other pharmacists for a few more years. Jack was a strong believer in community service and was involved in numerous organizations throughout his life. Just a few of the many awards and leadership positions Jack had taken include serving on the Marlow City Council from 1958 to 1964 and working as president of the Marlow Chamber of Commerce in 1966. In 1986, Jack was recognized by the community for much of his work, becoming the Marlow Chamber of Commerce Free Enterprise Award winner. Jack was a long time member and supporter of the Marlow Lion's Club and was a Past President. In keeping with the spirit of giving of himself to others, Jack founded the Jexal Foundation in 1992 and they have provided many philanthropic donations since their founding, and continue to do so. In October 2016, Jack and his current wife Betty, whom he married on October 24, 2015 in Marlow, attended the groundbreaking for the rebuilding of Wesley Foundation at OSU, where he was guest of honor and acknowledged for his donations from the Jexal Foundation.

At the groundbreaking, Jack was asked to say a few words before they began. As Jack was standing there ready to speak, he looked down and noticed the long pile of dirt, he began to smile and said, "My name is Jack Graves and that is the longest grave I have ever seen. I hope they don't bury me here today!" Afterwards they attended the OSU football game, which was a sport he loved to watch. The Wesley Foundation OSU is scheduled to open September 8, 2018.

Jack was a precious, Godly man that loved much and was much loved. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Marlow. He served in prison ministry at McAlister and was a great example to everyone he encountered. He possessed a contagious smile and entertaining sense of humor that will be deeply missed. Jack's passing brings a closing chapter to one of the most grateful, generous and selfless men that ever lived.

In addition to his first wife, Jack was preceded in death by a daughter, Dixi Lu Graves Kimbough on August 6, 2011.

Survivors include wife, Betty Adams Graves of the home; daughter, Dinah Leftwich and husband, Keith of Marlow; step-daughter Lisa Fitzgerald and husband, Daren of Arlington, Texas; stepson, Kevin Roden and wife, Debby of Kingfisher; his grandchildren, Kristin Fitzgerald, Jagr Roden, and Demi Roden; and great-grandson, Gavin Poynor. Jack is also survived by his beloved dog, Precious.

Memorial contributions in Jack's honor may be made to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.CallawaySmithCobb.com