Dale E Graves

Dale Graves, born on February 9, 1957, in his beloved hometown of Chillicothe, Ohio, peacefully departed this world on April 7, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, and love, having touched the lives of all who knew him.

A proud graduate of Chillicothe High School, Dale went on to work as a skilled concrete finisher, a profession where he poured not just concrete but also his dedication and hard work. He was known not only for his craftsmanship but also for his gregarious nature—he truly never met a stranger. He married the love of his life Anita Retherford on March 24, 1979 and they enjoyed 42 years together.

Dale was a member of Moose Lodge #1626, and his presence will be dearly missed by his many friends there. An avid outdoorsman, Dale found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as mushroom hunting, birding, and gardening with his late wife, Anita. A loyal Cleveland Browns supporter and enthusiastic Dale Earnhardt fan, Dale embraced life with a spirit of adventure and camaraderie.

He was cherished by his children, Dawn (Matt) Throckmorton and Richard (Ashton) Graves, and adored as "Pappy" by his grandchildren: Taylor Throckmorton, Seth Throckmorton, and Axton Graves. He is survived by his mother, Delores Miller, his sister, Cindy Coldiron, sisters-in-law Vicki (Harry) Conrad, and Jodi Retherford Brown, brother-in-law Tim Retherford, and a cherished extended family, including step-mothers Ginger Long and Connie Long, step-father-in-law Ken Strausbaugh, and step-sisters Debbie (Tony) Slutz, Jane McCabe, Nancy Johnson, Tammi (Dan) Strausbaugh-Stern, and Tressa Strausbaugh. His special friend, Terry Harwell, along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, will remember him fondly.

He was preceded in death by his biological father, David J. Long; his father, Richard Graves; his wife, Anita Retherford-Graves; his step-father, Tom Miller; his mother-in-law, Barbara Strausbaugh; his father-in-law, Clifford “Bill” Retherford; his sister Missy Claytor; his sister-in-law, Deb Fournier; and his brother-in-law, Tim Coldiron.

Dale's dog, Roxie, was one of his greatest joys. Her companionship brought him immense happiness and comfort.

Visitation will be held at Haller Funeral Home & Crematory, Chillicothe, Ohio, on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, where family and friends will gather to celebrate Dale's life and pay their respects. A Celebration of Dale's Life will be held a later date.

Dale Graves's memory will live on in the hearts of all he touched, a testament to a life well-lived and a love well-shared.