Robert Graves

Truly exceptional and one of a kind, Robert Graves Sr. will live forever in the hearts of many who were fortunate enough to have known him. True to his spirit, the legend will continue as his family and friends recall and pass on the stories of the remarkable account of his life. Robert Glen Graves Sr., a resident of Baton Rouge, LA and a native of New Hebron, Mississippi, passed away on Wednesday morning, March 28, 2012, at the age of 79. He was a determined and dedicated man. He started at the young age of 14 with the Department of Transportation, where he worked his way up the ladder to eventually become the Secretary of the D.O.T.D. under Edwin Edwards, and gave 33 yrs of service. From there, he worked for the Department of Public Works as Director under Pat Screen, and was president of Dawson Engineers. He was a U.S. Army veteran who fought in the Korean War. Robert then received his B.A. in Civil Engineering from LSU where he continually boasted that he finished 5th in his class… to be quickly followed with "fifth out of five people". Robert then started his own engineering company, R-R Contractors, named after himself, "Rapid Robert", where he served as president. Since his retirement, he worked as a contractor, built houses, drew plans, is a Mason and a Shriner, loved to gamble, and enjoyed a great steak from Ruth's Chris at Table 41. He was always in pursuit of the next great deal. Robert was ambitious, fun, never boring and always active. Robert loved nothing more than his family and friends, and will truly be missed by all that knew him. Robert is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nina Graves; daughter, Jill Crutti and husband Kurt; son, Robert Glen Graves Jr.; sisters, Elsie Arnold and Johnnie Morgan; two brothers, Charles Graves, and Edwin E. Graves; and three grandchildren, Carter Laughlin Crutti, Michael Graves and Hailey Graves. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eula and Walter Graves. Visitation will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home on Friday March 30, 2012 from 5pm until 8pm and resume on Saturday March 31, 2012 from 9am until funeral service at 10am. Interment will follow in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be: Kurt Crutti, John Ruston, Duane Portero, Barry Graves, Robert Graves, and Stuart Salassi. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Edwin "Shot" Graves, Charles Graves, Glen Carter, W.V. Adams, James Baughman, Jerry Landry, LaRay Hodges, and Russell Crapanzano.