Eld. Homer Graves, 84, a resident of Pine, died at 11:40 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, at St. Tammany Parish Hospital.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War and a former truck driver for oil and gas companies in the area. Eld. Graves was an ordained minister in the Landmark Missionary Baptist Association, where he pastored the Monroe’s Creek, Saul’s Street, Bethlehem, Faith and Oak Grove churches during his 50 years of preaching God’s Word.

He was recently awarded a plaque for his longtime service to the Lord and was also a member of Harmony Missionary Baptist Church. In earlier years, he loved to play the guitar and enjoyed listening to country music. He adored his grandchildren and they also loved joking around with Paw Paw. Homer was always a loving father and grandfather that cherished the time spent with his family.

He is survived by: three daughters and sons-in-law, Marie and Mitch Kilgore of Pine, Ann and Ken Knight of Franklinton, and Marietta and Randy Thomas of Pine; son, Dale Graves of Pine; 10 grandchildren, Christa Lush, Deanna Hunt, Amber Knight Snyder, Corbin Ladner, April Knight, Lauren Thomas Pittman, Hope Thomas, Daniel Thomas, Julie Kilgore and Jeff Kilgore; 14 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Vertie Mae Knight and Nellie Jenkins, both of Pine; brother-in-law, James B. Rogers of Pine; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Ruthie Mae Rogers Graves; his parents, Johnnie Graves and Bertie Temples Graves; and a sister, Louise Alford.

Visitation was at Crain Funeral Home on Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. A Masonic Rites service was held at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Visitation continued after 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7, until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Bro. Darren Uzel and Bro. David Easterling officiating. Burial with military honors followed in the Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery.

Obituaries can be viewed online at www.crainfh.com.