David James "DJ" Graves 1963-2011

GRAVES, CHRESTENSEN

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/31/2013 at 10:58:58

Sioux City Journal
21 December 2011

ANTHON, Iowa -- David James "DJ" Graves, 48, of Anthon passed away early Sunday morning, Dec. 18, 2011, from injuries sustained in an accident on his farm.

Per DJ's wishes, his body will be cremated. A celebration of life services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at the Senior Center in Moville, Iowa. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berger Northside Chapel in Sioux City. Online condolences may be sent to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

DJ was born Nov. 19, 1963, in Sioux City, to Robert R. and Faye E. (Chrestensen) Graves. He attended school the majority of his life in Missouri and was very proud when he earned his general education diploma. He was a truck driver most recently employed by 3D Transportation.

DJ always put others first, he made sure that if someone needed help, he took care of them before taking care of himself. This was exemplified by DJ when his tragic untimely death was able to save several other lives by being an organ and tissue donor, something he firmly believed in. When DJ had time for himself, he enjoyed tinkering in his shop, taking pride in running his acreage, and remodeling his home. He also had a great love for the outdoors.

He is survived by his fiancee, Melissa Cooley of Anthon; six kids, Todd Cooley (fiancee, Kaylie Murray) of Anthon, Taylor Cooley of Lawton, Iowa, Samantha Cooley of Anthon, John Baker of Atlanta, Ga., Bili Craven of Sioux City, and Dalton Craven of Atlanta; three brothers, Ed (Connie) Flieder of Sioux City, Robert Graves Jr. of Lawton, and Steven Graves of Lawton; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Donovan Fleider.