Michael Robin Graves, 54, passed away on Tuesday, June 28, while at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
Michael was born on June 14, 1968, in Biloxi, Mississippi to Jeff and Brenda (Mills) Graves. Michael was the oldest of 6 siblings, and 6 step-siblings. He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Jeffrey Graves. He is survived by his fiancė, Kriss Pedraza of Independence MO, His daughter, Carmen Graves of Kansas City MO, sister, Laura (Gary) Cook of Blue Springs MO, brother, Brandon Graves of Blue Springs MO, sister, Tanara (Herbert) Gutierrez of Blue Springs MO, sister Randi (Brendon) Graves-McFadden of Shawnee KS, brother, Asomaliu Finau Jr. of Blue Springs MO, Step-sisters, Leilani and Tia Finau of Seattle WA, Step-sister, Jan Finau of Ketchikan AK, Step-brothers Theo, Ben and Cody Finau of Ketchikan AK, His mother, Brenda (Asomaliu) Finau of Blue Springs MO and one granddaughter, Athena Smith. He also left many Nieces and Nephews, along with many friends.
Michael was a proud member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Most of his life he didn’t attend regularly, but always held steadfast to his beliefs. His faith increased in the last several months, as he showed his medical staff what miracles looked like. He was a fighter and that showed in his battles to recover from a very difficult heart surgery. He seemed to be close to a recovery, and then we were all reminded of how fragile life really is. He passed peacefully, with his family present and surrounding him with love.
Those that knew Michael, will remember that he loved the hunt for hidden treasures. He would search endlessly for forgotten or discarded beauty left at thrift stores, or a rarity tossed in bins at a garage sale. He made his living from buying and selling collectibles this way. He was very much outgoing and always willing to negotiate a good deal. Even though he appeared to be a penny pincher, he was incredibly generous with those he loved.
Michael’s Celebration of Life will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1416 Southwest 19th Street, Blue Springs, MO at 11am, on Wednesday, July 6, 2022. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 noon.