William Lee Gravett Obituary February 25, 2016

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IN LOVING MEMORY OF

William Lee

Gravett

January 27, 1931 – February 25, 2016

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Obituary

Birthplace: Rural Henderson, Iowa Resided In: Red Oak, Iowa William Lee "Bill" Gravett, age 85, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away Thursday, February 25, 2016 at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital. Bill was born January 27, 1931, south of Henderson, Iowa, the son of Clyde and Gayle (Boileau) Gravett. He was raised on a farm in the Emerson, Iowa area graduating from Emerson High School in 1949. William was united in marriage to Mae Deane Younkin on February 11, 1951 in Omaha, Nebraska. Bill served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was stationed at Indian Town Gap, PA, Ft. Benning, GA, and Camp Roberts, CA. Upon his return to southwest Iowa, Bill and Mae farmed in the Emerson area and Bill worked for National Gas Pipeline for 30 years. He also owned and operated Gravett Construction Company, building many homes and apartment buildings in the area. He had the whole family work with him as well as many local boys, teaching them carpentry skills and life skills. Bill also owned Emerson Country Motors where he sold and repaired cars. He enjoyed visiting with anyone who would stop by. He was always willing to help those in need by financing cars just as long as they listened to his advice. Bill taught his grandchildren auto body repair skills, along with giving them advice, as they worked side by side. He mentored many children throughout the years and spent much time as a Cub Scout Master teaching life lessons. He got involved in politics and was a delegate to the National Convention in 1988. He made many friends during this time even from Japan. He loved people and entertaining, especially having all of the family together to go out to dinner and supplying everyone with Coconut Cream Pie for dessert. Bill loved old time westerns, including his hero, John Wayne. He spent many of his last days watching Daniel Boone and Bonanza. He was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge and was a member of the Classy Chassis Car Club. Preceding him in death were his parents; wife of 64 years: Mae Gravett on March 10, 2015; brothers: Frank and Jack Gravett; and grandson: Cort Martin. Survivors include his children: Deanna Martin and husband Tim of Palm Springs, CA; Clint Gravett and Carol of Emerson, IA; and Penny England and husband Don of Red Oak, IA; 7 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; brothers: Galen Gravett of Deerfield, Minnesota and Roy Gravett and wife Carol of Carson, IA; and many other relatives and friends including his friend and caregiver, Frances Bennett. Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Monday, February 29, 2016 at the Emerson Baptist Church. Burial will be in the Emerson Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held from 2-4 PM Sunday, February 28, 2016 at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Emerson Baptist Church. Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation:
Date: 2/28/2016 Time: 2-4 PM Comments: Family will be present during visitation.	Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel 410 N 6th Street Red Oak, IA Get a Map Driving Directions
Service:
Date: 2/29/2016 Time: 10:30 AM Comments:	Emerson First Baptist 705 Bradford Ave. Emerson, IA Get a Map Driving Directions
Burial:
Date: 2/29/2016 Time: Following services Comments:	Emerson Cemetery US Hwy 59 and US Hwy 34 Emerson, IA Get a Map Driving Directions

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