Newton A. Graves, 93, of Lenexa, Kansas passed away November 22, 2024 at Lakeview Village Skilled Care facility. He was born August 2, 1931 in Cleveland, Ohio to William C. and Margaret A. Sullivan Graves.
Newton attended high school at Fork Union Military Academy, Fork Union, Virginia. He later attended Baylor University for his bachelor's degree, and then Southern Baptist Theological Seminary for a Master Of Theology degree.
Newton pastored at Wheelock Baptist Church, Wheelock, TX while at Baylor. During seminary he preached at both First Baptist Church of Mason, OH and Eastwood Baptist Church of Eastwood, KY. After seminary, his first calling was to the First Baptist Church of Dunedin, FL.
After he stepped down from the ministry, he first enjoyed working in clothing stores, then later transitioned his talents to the truck line industry. His career included stints with Great Coastal Express, W.T. Brynes Express, and Inter State Motor freight system. His last job in trucking was with Yellow Freight where he worked for 27 years, working his way up to Vice President of Sales.
Mr. Graves was active in transportation industry organizations, mostly in educational arenas. He was an inspired speaker at the local, regional and national level. He was a former member of Leawood Baptist Church, Hillcrest Covenant Church, and an active member with Lenexa Baptist Church where he was a Sunday School teacher and active with church leadership.
Newton was married to Harriet Bell who preceded him in death on June 21, 2021. Newton was also preceded in death by his parents; brother, Daniel Z. Graves and son, Garrick. He is survived by 3 children, Beverly Polan, Janna Hardwicke, and Lisa Krizek.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00am Monday, November 25, 2024 at Lenexa Baptist Church, 15320 W. 87th Street Parkway, Lenexa, KS 66219