Mark Graves

Mark Thayne Graves was born in Lancaster, California on September 5, 1960. He passed away on March 11, 2024, in Greeley, Colorado. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Graves and Lela Thayne and his brothers, Larry (Marilyn), John (Paula) and Byron (Becky). He is survived by his wife, Johnna Stow, her daughters Cat and Shelly and their 5 grandchildren; his siblings, Carrolyn Petty (Ron), Clark (Claudia), Bruce (Kandy), Tina, Lela Bea Calkins (John), Nathan (Cynthia); and many nieces and nephews. To know Mark was to love him and to feel loved and seen. His tender heart and care for others was displayed effortlessly by his willingness to help and put his needs last. He embodied all the characteristics you would list when describing someone that you love and want to spend your time with. He was fun and lively, always ready to have a good time and his signature, hearty laugh would lift above the crowd. Before anything else, he was a musician with a natural talent and love of the art. Whether on stage behind a microphone or with family surrounding him as he performed song after song from memory on the piano, he uplifted everyone around him and was never arrogant or boastful. He was generous with his time, talent and work ethic, but above all, he was kind. He was genuine. He was Mark. He was the 7th of nine children and one of 7 boys. He grew up in a small house with a large family and learned about love, life and music. In a family full of strong personalities, competitive boys and comedians, he was different and never was one to try to stand out. He allowed others their space to shine and would even cheer them on. He was helpful to his mother and loved her fiercely. She always had a song in her heart and encouraged his musical talents. She was a poet and is the reason he was also a talented lyricist, having written several original songs. His father always carried a harmonica in his shirt pocket and the family bonded around music in one form or another. After graduating from High School, he travelled around for a few years, working here and there and eventually spent time in Los Angeles working as an assistant for Gun’s N Roses and Rick Springfield. Mark loved and gravitated his life toward music. In his 30’s, life took him to Louisiana, and he fell in love with the culture, the food and a special woman. Johnna was the sun in his sky, and he lived for loving her and her daughters. Mark spent his time playing in a few bands and building a life with his Bride. They ended up in Greeley, Colorado where her parents lived, and Mark loved the snow and the small-town life. He especially loved wearing Raiders hats and T-shirts to see the Bronco fans squirm. He was able to attend the birth of 4 of his grandchildren and loved them like his own. Being a grandfather lifted his joy to a level he had never imagined. He grew up in California in the 70’s so you could always find Mark singing or listening to Classic Rock. He came to life when Turn the Page or Peaceful, Easy Feeling would play. Mark’s final big act of love and service came just 6 months before his passing when he returned home to help care for his mother in her final weeks of life. He and his brother Clark learned how to provide all of her medical needs and stayed by her side so she could pass peacefully in their childhood home. Mark watched her take her final breath and his tender heart broke that day. His family has comfort in knowing they are reunited. He was an example and a gift, and this world needs more Marks, not less. His light will be missed, but he will carry on in the hearts of all who knew him…and in the music.

Tributes

Mark Graves

November 5, 1960 - March 11, 2024