Ben Graves

Bennie ‘Ben’ Leon Graves passed away peacefully at his Norman, OK home on Monday November 11th, 2024 at the age of 79. On February 15th, 1945 he was born to Bennie Emory Graves and Margie Faye (Myers) Graves in Denison, TX. Ben was raised in Oklahoma City graduating from Capitol Hill High School class of 1963. He then went on to the University of Oklahoma where he graduated with a degree in Architecture, followed with an enlistment to the U.S. Navy.

The Navy took Ben and his young family to Newport, Rhode Island where he attended Officer’s Candidate School. There he worked part-time at a small local architecture firm where he was responsible for the design of a park located on Newport Harbor. In 1971 upon release from the Navy Ben moved his family back to Oklahoma where he interned for Fred Quinn becoming a registered architect in 1974. In true Ben Graves fashion, he was ready to do it on his own and created Ben Graves & Associates the same year. What started as a small firm located on Campus Corner later became Architects in Partnership where he focused on the design and development of private residences, public education projects, and commercial developments. As an architect, he didn’t just create buildings, he designed spaces that became cherished parts of Norman and Oklahoma City alike. Properties that people will enjoy for generations. His passion shaped the community he loved, leaving a mark that will forever remain in Norman’s streets and hidden corners. Though he may be gone, he remains part of our lives in subtle, meaningful ways, from the homes he designed to the details he has woven into every project.

Ben’s accomplishments as an architect are abundant. Not only did he receive an AIA Merit award in 1983 for his interior design of the Summit Building office (Norman), he had also managed to construct one of the leadings firms in Oklahoma. In 1992 he was appointed, by then Governor, to the State Board of Licensed Architects and Landscape Architects where he would serve three terms. From 1992 until retirement in 2010 he was committed to serving on various boards and committees in the industry. In 2023 he was recognized as a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award to the Capitol Hill Hall of Fame, which he deeply cherished. Although he retired in 2010, he remained dedicated to his craft, staying busy with some new project that would allow him to creatively construct a masterpiece to be enjoyed by many. Most recently he was passionate about his newest residential Lake Texoma project, where he was proud to keep the serenity and beauty of nature alive. For him, architecture wasn’t just a career, it was his way of bringing joy, beauty, and comfort to others.

Ben was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, friend, whose life left a lasting impact on all who knew him. His passing marks the end of a beautiful journey full of rich meaningful friendships, passion for hard work, love for the outdoors, and most of all, love for his family. He had a knack for “teaching us life lessons”, usually by making us learn the hard way whether it was through tough conversations, a hands-on project, or a round of golf where you probably left with a bruised ego and a few dollars short.

His legacy is woven into the very fabric of our lives. Through his work, his laughter, and his love, he remains with us in countless ways, each a reminder of the full, beautiful life he led. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in every place he touched.

Ben is survived by his two sons, Darren Graves (Jessica), and Matt Graves (Melanie), 3 grandsons, Davis Graves, Reid Graves, and Jackson Graves, brother Richard Graves of Houston, TX, and sister Linda Stewart of Moore, OK.

A private Graveside service will be held for the family with a proper Celebration of Life to follow in January. Details to come.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask to donate to the Ben Graves Memorial Scholarship Fund at The University of Oklahoma Foundation at PO BOX 258856, Oklahoma City, OK 73125-8856 or the Sooner Golden Retriever Rescue.

A special note from the Family:

We were blessed with 15 days at home surrounded by laughter, wine, the golf channel, his pups, gin games, and those special people that he had both irritated and loved the last 50+ years. We thank each of you for joining us through our laughter and tears.

Lastly, we would like to thank Ben’s remarkable care team, Anissa, Kelly, and Mindi. Your empathy, skills and loving kindness during Ben’s final days were beyond remarkable. You will always hold a special place in our hearts.