Robert Gravatt

Robert Ellsworth Gravatt, one of two children of Ross Ellsworth and Gladys (Stites) Gravatt, was born November 24, 1926 at Talmage, Nebraska. Robert grew up around Brock and graduated from Brock High School in 1944. He then enlisted in the United States Navy and was a veteran of World War II. After his discharge, Robert went on to attend the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, but returned home after two years to run the family farm.

On June 18, 1950, Robert was united in marriage to Jane E. Barker at Rising City, Nebraska. The couple was blessed with three children: David, Mark, and Elizabeth. They made their home in the Brock area, where Robert farmed until his ?retirement? in 2010.

Robert was a lifetime member of Brock United Methodist Church, and a 65 year member of the Brock Masonic Lodge. He served many years on the Grant Evergreen Cemetery Board, the Trestle Board Chapter OES, and the Brock School Board. Robert always enjoyed being outdoors tinkering in his garage on this and that, always trying to repair the old before getting anything new. His two true loves in life were his family and farming.

After a decline in health, Robert entered the Good Samaritan Society in Auburn, and it is there that he passed away on April 9, 2013, having reached the age of 86 years, 4 months, and 16 days. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Robert is survived by his wife Jane of Brock; sons David and wife Jere of Brock, Mark and wife Phyllis of Brock; daughter Elizabeth Joyce and husband Michael of Glenwood, IA; grandsons Clayton and wife Nikki Gravatt, Ryan and wife Theresa Gravatt, Nicholas Goering, Justin and wife Molly Goering, Blake Goering and fiancée Alex Beadell, Zachary Joyce; granddaughters Laura and husband Josh Niles, Erin Gravatt, Andrea and husband Kirt Borer; great-grandchildren Hunter, Hayden, Robert, and Ruby Gravatt, Brynlynn and Baylor Borer, Thad Niles, Treven and Connor Goering; sister Lenore and husband Robert Sandfort of Brock; brothers-in-law Charles Barker of California, Paulus and wife June Barker of Oklahoma City, OK; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were Friday, April 12, 2013 at the Brock United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Larry Tolen. Deanne Gerking was accompanist for a duet by Jere Gravatt and Phyllis Gravatt and a congregational hymn. Zachary Joyce played a piano solo. Pallbearers were Clayton Gravatt, Ryan Gravatt, Nick Goering, Justin Goering, Blake Goering, and Zachary Joyce. Honorary bearers were Laura Niles, Erin Gravatt, Andrea Borer, Molly Goering, Alex Beadell, Josh Niles, Kirt Borer, Nikki Gravatt, and Theresa Gravatt. Burial was in Grant Evergreen Cemetery near Talmage.