Richard Hartgraves

Richard Reid Hartgraves, son of Herbert and Jo Hartgraves, was born September 19, 1935 at Hugo, Oklahoma.  He went home to be with his Lord and Savior on June 14th, 2017 while doing what he loved; fly fishing at Lake San Isabel.    Richard was the baby of 3 children.  HB from Marlow, OK and  Mayo who was lost at sea during WWII.  Richard was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.   With a “twinkle in his eye,” Richard met Carol Jean Johnson and they married on August 18th of 1957.  God gifted this union with a precious son and daughter:  Allen Hartgraves and his wife Gina of Virginia Beach, Virginia and Stephanie Jo Wilkerson and her husband Alvin of Otis, Colorado.  Richard was blessed with two grandchildren Abigail and Rebecca Hartgraves.   Richard was a devoted, loving, compassionate, faithful, fun-loving, humorous, ornery, courageous, hardworking, honest and a God-fearing man.  His journey through life included:  Dicus Supermarket (Ada, OK) where he was a stock boy; Ada Senior High School where he graduated;  Two years active duty in the United States Army at Fort Carson; returning home where he worked his way up as head clerk at Dicus Supermarket while attending East Central State College graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education; Western State College of Colorado where he was awarded a Master’s Degree in Counseling and later he received a Specialist Degree equivalent to a Doctorate in Counseling.   During his thirty years of distinguished service as an educator, Richard was the recipient of the Governor’s Incentive Award for outstanding education innovations, and Colorado Counselor of the Year for Secondary Education.  Throughout his life Richard was passionately involved in the work of the church as a Deacon and Adult Sunday School teacher.  Richard was a prolific author, having had several books published.  He also was an avid fly fisherman, accomplished woodworker, and a creative artist. He hand built a cabin with his family in San Isabel.   Life Celebration Service for Richard will be Tuesday, June 20th, 2017, at 10 a.m. Aberdeen Baptist Church of Pueblo, CO., 301 Cleveland Avenue with   Pastor Greg Duke officiating.  The graveside service will be conducted by Pastor Alvin Wilkerson at Imperial Memorial Gardens in Pueblo. Memorial rites by Pueblo Veterans Ritual Team.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Chest of Joash at Aberdeen Baptist Church.  Online condolences at DavisMortuary.com