Lewis Michael Graves

Dr. Lewis Michael Graves of Cheyenne, Wyoming, passed away at age 86 surrounded by loved ones in the days leading up to his death on June 27, 2024, while in hospice care. 

“Doc Graves,” as he was affectionately known, had a remarkable career. After graduating with a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Tuskegee University in 1962 and serving honorably as a Captain in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corp, he went on to work for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the Food Safety and Inspection Service where he served with distinction for thirty-years. His favorite posts included Fairfield, Vermont, Grand Junction, Colorado, and Cheyenne, Wyoming. 

After retiring from the USDA, Dr. Graves was named as the Director of the Native American Vocational and Technical Education Program (NAVTEP) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs at the St. Stephens Indian School on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Fremont County, Wyoming. He oversaw technical and vocational training there until he retired and suffered declining health. An active and passionate outdoorsman, Dr. Graves enjoyed ranching, hunting, fishing, and spending time at the cabin of his eldest son. 

He also studied Taekwondo and excelled in martial arts. A well-known civic leader in Wyoming, he had the honor of serving as an announcer at the Cheyenne Frontier Days, was elected President of the Cheyenne Rifle and Pistol Club, was active in the Wyoming Veterinary Medical Association, National Rifle Association, and the Wyoming Republican Party. For those who knew Dr. Graves in his prime, he will be remembered as a tall, striking figure, predictably dressed in western attire, with a deep, commanding voice. 

Respected for his strength and intelligence, but best known for introducing himself with a friendly “How do you do.” Dr. Graves is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Maggie Graves; his six adult children from his first marriage with Margritte Clay Lindsey (Michael D. Graves (Sue), Pamela F. Graves, Patricia Graves Griffith (Richard), Lewis C. Graves , Anthony E. Graves (Sakari) and Brian N. Graves) - and their thirteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren; as well as Maggie’s three adult children from her first marriage(Cynthia Connor (Dale), Patrick McKee (Monette), Deborah Closson), ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren who adopted him as their own. The sole surviving siblings of Dr. Graves are his younger sisters, Leslie Karen Franklin (Reggie), Colette “Tori” Dahlke (Russell), and Nanette Missaghi (Shahram). Dr. Graves is preceded in death by his beloved older sister Dr. Jacqueline Wilson, MD, and his parents Lewis Laverne Graves, Irma Smith, and his stepfather “Daddy Leslie” Smith.