Clarence Joseph DeGraves' Obituary
Clarence J. DeGraves, age 91, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Muskegon, MI. He was born on August 8, 1933, to Peter and Adriana (Bax) DeGraves in Muskegon, MI. Clarence was a Volunteer Fire Fighter with the Fruitport Fire Department for 30 years, an avid Mac Woods Dune Rides operator for 9 years, a member of the Scottville Clown Band as a saxophone player and someone who enjoyed rides around the ovals of Pere Marquette with a ritual stop at Mc Donalds. He was a Machinist at Brunswick Corp. for 40 years when he retired in 1995. Clarence is survived in death by his wife, Barbara (Arnson) TenBrink DeGraves; children: Doug (Carol) DeGraves, Cindy (Bill) Bellefeuil, Joe (Bonnie) DeGraves; stepchildren: David TenBrink, Larry (Dawn) TenBrink, Gary (Dawn) TenBrink, Nancy (Daniel) Slater, Debbie (Ryan) Hobbs; sister, Donna (John) Schmidt, 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his 1st wife, Geraldine (Hobbs) DeGraves; parents, Peter and Adriana DeGraves and brother, Bernard DeGraves. VISITATION will be Monday, July 14, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at The Lee Chapel, 6291 Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI. 49444 with a MEMORIAL SERVICE taking place at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Hope Reformed Church. Arrangements through The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services. Please consider signing the family’s online guestbook and share memories at https://systsemafh.com
What’s your fondest memory of Clarence?
What’s a lesson you learned from Clarence?
Share a story where Clarence's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Clarence you’ll never forget.
How did Clarence make you smile?