DODGE CITY - Melvin E. Graves, 90, died Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at his home in Dodge City.

He was born October 15, 1928 in Kingman, the son of Robert and Eliza (Dehority) Graves. Melvin was a Dodge City resident for 60 years moving from Coffeyville. He worked for Southwestern Bell for 40 years starting out in maintenance and moving up to technician.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Masons, and Moose Lodge all of Dodge City. He enjoyed fishing and hunting but what he loved most was spending time with his grandchildren.

On July 2, 1955 he married Ruth Hawkins in Winfield, Kansas. She preceded him in 1991.

Survivors include: his daughter, Bev Kinkelaar and husband Greg, Dodge City; his son, Eugene Graves, Uvalde, Texas; 2 brothers, Donnie Graves and wife Gert, Kansas City, Kansas, and Eddied Graves, Wichita; and 4 grandchildren, Maddi, Sammi, Bailey and Brady.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; 4 sisters, Nellie Simons, Martha McGoveny, Betty Jones, and Gerty Schultz; and 3 brothers, Waldo Graves, George Graves and Bob Graves.

Funeral services will be 10:00 am Monday, December 10, 2018 at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City. Burial will be at 3:00 pm Monday in the Harper Cemetery, Harper with military rights by the United States Navy. Visitation will be Sunday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City.

The family suggests memorials to Ford County Humane Society in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.