Fred John DeGraves

Fred John DeGraves, 94, died September 20, 2024, at Westmister Health Center in Terre Haute, Indiana. Fred was born August 6, 1930, to Robert and Anna (Skok) DeGraves in Grand Rapids Michigan.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents Robert Henry and Anna (Skok), daughter Pam Allen, sister Ruth Ann Rood, brothers Robert and James DeGraves, grandson Chadwick Allen and great grandson Isaac Friday.

He is survived by his wife Doris (Apel) DeGraves, son, Fred J DeGraves (Barbara), daughter, Pat Friday (Steve), grandchildren Ben Allen (Sammy), Kurt Friday (Ashley), Stephanie Allen (Michael), David Friday, Jayson and Gina DeGraves, great grandchildren Ellie, Graham, Henry and Hanna, Sisters-in-law Anne and Bonnie and several nieces and a nephew.

He was raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan and graduated from Godwin Heights Public School.  He was very popular with his classmates and was voted Homecoming and Prom King. He was a 4-year letterman in football and track and was captain of both.

He was on Western Michigan University’s freshman football and track team and graduated with a degree in Industrial Arts Education. Fred later earned his Master’s Degree at Eastern Michigan University.

After graduation, he taught at Shelby, Belleville and at Ypsilanti Michigan high schools, in woodworking, football and driver education. Fred was a teacher for 32 years. He was hired by Eastern Michigan University to help train student teachers in the area of athletics.  He worked with the Detroit Probation office by mentoring youth on probation and getting them involved in school sports programs. His final teaching position started in 1969 in Battle Creek Michigan at Harper Creek High School. He taught Industrial Education, drafting, math and was head football coach. In 1971 he was voted Coach of the Year by the Twin Valley Conference. He was always there for his students and made a large impact on many lives.

Fred was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish. He loved living on the water and fondly considered Michigan “God’s Country”. He learned his carpentry skills from his father, who was a builder.  Fred eventually built over 10 homes on his own. Fred married his high school sweetheart Doris and was married for 73 years. His family has always chided that coaching was the love of Fred’s life, but he treasured his family the most.

No services are planned at this time.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Fred John DeGraves, please visit our floral store.