Grace Memorial Chapel
Larry Graves, Osage Indian Cowboy, died Dec. 16, 2023, at his home in Fairfax, Okla. Born Nov. 10, 1955, his parents are the late Howard Francis “Sonny” and Mary Agnes “Aggie” (Holloway) Graves. The cause was health-related complications. He was an enrolled member of the Osage Nation. His father, Howard Francis Graves was a member of the Rodeo Cowboy Association, and his grandfather, Simon Henderson, was a prominent Osage tribal leader and Native American Church Peyote Roadman.
Graves had interests in rodeo, art, movies, cooking, and travel. He enjoyed spending time with his family and close friends. His identical twin brother Gary predeceased Larry on Aug. 3, 2012. The twins were champion bareback riders in their youth, they enjoyed and competed in rodeos on state and national levels. Larry’s competitive spirit yielded him an Oklahoma Junior Rodeo Association – OJRA state bareback rider trophy, awarded in Oklahoma City.
Graves is survived by his wife, Lela Mae; his brother, Simon Francis; sisters, Jo Louise and Victoria Graves, all of Fairfax; his son Joshua Graves of California; grandchildren, and several extended families.
A public memorial and remembrance took place on Dec. 20, 2023, at the Grayhorse Community Building in Grayhorse, Okla., with John Shaw and Taos Barrone officiating. Pallbearers were King Bowman, Joey Allen, Tim Allen, John Holloway III, “Popper” Holloway, Sonny Graves and Bobby Jones.
