Philip Huston Graves

Philip Huston Graves received his wings at Ocean Springs Hospital after struggling with emphysema for several years. He finally lost his brave fight to complications from pneumonia on August 2, 2008. His daughter and granddaughter were holding his hands. Philip Huston Graves was born in Hickman, KY on April 2nd, 1927 to Phil and Lucinda (Yates) Graves. He left Hickman in 1942 at age 16 to join the Navy. He was a sleep walker; left the Navy, joined the Air Force, and was stationed at Keesler "Field" in 1945. He married his wife of 60 years Mildred "Midge" Krohn in 1948 and made Latimer and Ocean Springs his home. He loved South Mississippi and the family he married into making it his own. Mr. Graves retired from the Army National Guard as Warrant 4 with 42 years military connected service. He loved this country and promoted military service to anyone who would listen. He had ordered military brochures for his Great-Granddaughter who will graduate next May. He recruited many of the young men from the St. Martin area to serve in the National Guard. He was very pleased that three of his nephews served in the military. He was a true patriot. Mr. Graves was an avid reader, coin collector, stamp collector, and astrologer. He loved to learn and did so until his death. He walked in the morning at dawn on his cul-de-sac with his oxygen tank. Philip was an honest man, smart, hard working, and frugal. He never participated in talking about others. If a conversation started about others he would excuse himself and go to another room. He loved politics and enjoyed a lively discussion. He enjoyed his life and had a good time. His family loved and respected him, he was their hero. He was active in many organizations throughout his life. He served as President of the Ocean Springs Jaycees during the 60s helping promote and organize the fishing rodeos on front beach. He was a member of the McLeod Lodge #424. 32nd degree, Scottish Rites, Joppa Shriner, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War post 5699, National Guard Association, and ELKS. He was elected Justice Court Judge in Jackson County serving Latimer / Vancleave/Wade/Hurley area. He served as City Clerk of Ocean Springs, and City Tax Assessor of Pascagoula. He spent over 20 years with Munro Petroleum in Biloxi, where he retired at 70 years of age. Mr. Graves was preceded in death by his parents, sister Sybil, one niece Joann Krohn Bissett, brother-in-laws Melvin and Vernon Krohn. Philip left many to cherish his memory, his wife Midge, his only child Cindy Graves Honeycutt and husband Kenny, his father-in-law's primary caretaker. His grandchild, Camie (Mapp) Jones and husband Louis, three great-grandchildren Addison, Marah, and Huston Phillips. One step-grandson, Ken Honeycutt and two step great-grandsons Harrison Honeycutt of Starkville, and Ethan Jones of Missouri. Nephews-Joe, Dan, Kenny, Steve, AJ, Rocky, and Clayton Krohn, niece Kathleen (Krohn) Abrams, Sister-in laws June Krohn, Katherine Krohn and brother-in-law Alton Krohn all of Latimer. He is also survived by his brother James Fisher Graves and several cousins in Hickman, Ky. His nephews will serve as his pallbearers. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 in the chapel of the funeral home. Interment will follow at Camille Cemetery in Latimer.