1936~2017

Lonnie Graves was born to Cornelius and Annie Dell Graves on September 15, 1936 in Heath, Arkansas and passed at his home on March 21, 2017.

The oldest of 16 children, Lonnie joined the United States Army in 1956.

While stationed in Germany, Lonnie met and fell in love with his wife Ursula Jaensch in 1963 in Berlin.  They were married on April 1, 1964 in Baumholder, Germany.  Together the two would raise four children and travel to stations in Kansas, Germany, and California before settling on retirement in Colorado Springs, CO.

A decorated Korean and Vietnam War veteran, Lonnie earned several honors: Good Conduct 6th Award Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ Palm, Meritorious Service Medal. Throughout his military and civil service career, Lonnie was a Dining Facility Manager and retired after 20 years of dedicated service to his country. Lonnie also returned to school earning an Associate Degree of Applied Science (AAS) in Machining Technology from Pikes Peak Community College. A constant learner, Lonnie taught himself German, Spanish, and Korean and had a great interest in the inner workings of all things political.

Over the years, Lonnie never met a stranger with his charming and witty personality. He loved to laugh, greatly enjoyed fishing and cooking, and was constantly experimenting with different recipes and flavors. In addition, he had a strong connection to family and was happiest when spending time with loved ones. He had a beautiful singing voice and was a self-taught pianist who encouraged the love and appreciation of music and instilled the importance of education in his family.

Lonnie is survived by his wife Ursula of 52 years; four children- Diego (Brenda) Graves, Belinda (Danny) Pellegrin, Corina (Kevin) Brown, and Sabrina Alford; seven grandchildren- Bianca (Kenny) Hicks, Camille Graves, Janessa Hubbard, Mariah Graves, Michael Pellegrin, Corey Alford, and Alijha Alford; two great-grandchildren- Kylen Haynes and Jace Hicks. Lonnie is also survived by seven siblings- Ollie, Rosette, Calvin, Blanche, Robert, Barbara, Arlene, and several nieces, nephews and extended family members.

We are honoring Lonnie through a memorial webpage and would love for you to share the link to those who may wish to share in celebrating his life – lonniegraves.muchloved.com or visit www.muchloved.com and search for Lonnie Graves. Please feel free to leave your messages, photos/video etc in his memory. Thank you for joining us in celebrating his life.