Bryan D. Graves
September 16, 1974 ~ October 25, 2020
Bryan D. Graves 46 of Columbus, Indiana passed away Sunday October 25, at his residence.
Bryan was born September 16, 1974 in Flemington, NJ to Gene and Martha (Phillips) Graves. Bryan was a pastor for 24 years serving at New Covenant Community Church in New Jersey, Webster Assembly of God in Webster New York, Lima Baptist Church in Lima New York, Garden City Church of Christ in Columbus and was an associate pastor of New Life Community Church in Nashville. He enjoyed being a coach with Basketball and Beyond and a soccer coach with Columbus Parks and Recreation. He was a chaplain and leader with Trial Life Troop IN0110.
Bryan was survived by his wife, Amy C. Graves, whom he married on July 13, 1996; parents, Gene and Martha Graves; daughters, Julia, Breanna and Sarah Graves, son, Zachary Graves; brother Perry Graves all of Columbus; sister Carrie (Chris) Pletcher of Wellington, CO and five nephews.
Bryan was Preceded by his grandparents Archie and Marie Graves and John and Edith Phillips.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10 am Saturday October 31, 2020 at New Life Community Church 1450 N State Rd 135, Nashville, IN 47448 with Pastor Tim Conboy officiating. There will be no time of visitation prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Flat Rock Baptist Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Amy requests you honor Bryan with a donation to:
Support kids education--
Zelle app bank transfer to Amy using email: Bryangraveschildrenmemorial@gmail.com
OR
Support Inheritance of Hope--
A ministry to families with a terminally ill parent. Go to inheritanceofhope.org
Recipient email: Bryangraveschildrenmemorial@gmail.com
Arrangements were entrusted to Jewell – Rittman Family Funeral Home.
You are invited to view his video tribute, light a virtual candle and send a message of condolence to the Graves family via the funeral home website: www.jewellrittman.com
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Brian Graves was a outstanding young man that loved our Lord Jesus and his precious family. I remember when I had a 7 1/2 hour surgery, we I awoke there was my daughter and Brian waiting for me. That meant a lot to me that he cared about the older folks too, since being our Youth Minister! Brian was a kind and gentle man and I loved him and all his precious family. My heart and prayers goes out to them at this time. I also remember when Brian would preach on Sunday some times, I would always go to him and tell him that I would be pray for him the whole time he was up front. We had this connection and he always knew that I would be praying for him. He was a wonderful and dedicated Youth Minister! We had a great gathering of the finest young people, and I believe they loved Brian as much as I did. I shall miss him so very much but I know that he is with our Lord and Savior. My God greatly bless Amy, their children, Gene and Martha and Perry Graves. Much love to the Graves Family. Brenda L. Burton
I’ve met Bryan Graves a couple of times. I felt a connection with him right away. He seemed like a genuine man with a heart and passion for his ministry and his family. For some reason God put him and his family heavily on my heart these past months.
God has done amazing things through this man, and will continue to impact lives through his family, and his ministry.
I cannot wait for the day I get to see the paradise that Bryan is seeing right now!
Bryan will always be in our hearts. We enjoyed the times we had with him at Garden City when we visited there, at Shawn’s home and our home when you all came to visit or fish! Our prayers are with you Amy and your family. God Bless you all. Jim and Nancy Mahoney.
Pastor Bryan lovingly encouraged our 2020 graduates to let the love of God clear and sharpen their vision as they continue their journey to serve Christ. We have been blessed to receive this direction from a man who is now celebrating his journey with Jesus. We will all be praying for all of you as you continue yours. Blessings of comfort and love.
Brenda Planalp for the graduates and the families of the class of 2020 in honor of Bryan.
Bryan was a true man of God, he loved all the children, our family will miss his smile and we pray for Amy and their children and extended family. God Bless you all!
I had only met Bryan once or twice, but I had the opportunity to work with his children in a mentorship capacity, and from that I can tell what a great father he was – as he leaves behind four well raised children. The Graves family is in my prayers!
Amy, my deepest condolences to you and your family. I only had respect and admiration for you both (our paths crossed at Elim, Admissions I think it was!).
Ruth (Craine) Nogueron
I have met Bryan through his Sister Carrie who we used to work together and hang out together sometime after work. I have gotten to know Bryan that way and he always was very nice and always have a big smile on his face. His parents should be proud how they raise him and there 2 other kids. Miss you Bryan and we will never for get you.
It me Stacey Mills
Bryan served as our son’s basketball coach and brought so much encouragement to the kids! During the Covid shutdown, he faithfully led weekly Trail Life devotionals on Zoom. My son set reminders so he wouldn’t miss theses devos. He just loved the way Bryan illustrated principles with interesting stories. We will continue praying for the heartbroken family members he leaves behind.
Bryan and his family have always been a shining light in our community. What an example to all of God’s love and goodness!
I wasn’t as close to Bryan as I was with his daughters, however, whenever I did get the chance to talk with him he had a way of making people feel seen and heard. He was always ready with a word of encouragement as well! Before leaving for a school back in June/July, I remember being so encouraged by the words Bryan gave me. For that, I’m grateful!
Not only did he leave an impact on me, but I believe he left thousands more on others. This man made a difference! I can’t think of anything else but “good and faithful servant” being said by Jesus when he was taken home. He was an example to all for what it truly means to be a faithful and constant servant for the gospel!
Arrive in Style was purchased for the family of Bryan D. Graves.
We met Bryan, Amy and the family when they came to New Life at a night of worship and then served along side them as Youth leaders. Our church has been so blessed by him and his wonderful family. Seeing how passionately they all serve the Lord is a Blessing to watch. He will be greatly missed. Amy You are all being covered in prayers.
We were blessed by the Grave’s family in Lima, NY, while Bryan was the Youth Pastor. The whole family had the joy of the Lord! Bryan poured a lot of love and energy into the Youth Group and College and Career, and our son was one who benefitted from his efforts. I have fond memories of ‘babysitting’ their children while Amy went to minister to the kids at youth group with Bryan. Thank you for giving to the Lord, Bryan and Amy! We pray God gives your family peace and comfort.
Lorrie and Jerry Thompson
Lit a candle in memory of Bryan D. Graves
Bryan was a dear friend who was honorable, helpful, pleasant, and encouraging. It’s sad to see him go but I look forward to seeing him again in Heaven.
I remember Bryan fondly from our time together in the Leadership Training Track at Elim. He was always kind, thoughtful, and truly loved God and his wife. I am so sorry for his loss, and his family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Bryan poorer into the life’s of everyone around him. My children fondly remember youth group at Lima Baptist. Sunday nights full of Ghost in the Graveyard!! We didn’t even attend LBaptist as a family but my kids loved Bryan so much and he was such a charismatic leader, that they never wanted to miss. He was a light and because of his love for the Lord, my children are following Jesus today.
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Bryan D. Graves.
I only met. Ryan one time but I could tell he was a very special man and when God took him he got a good one. I’m sorry for your loss and pray for healing
Bryan was a major influence growing up at Lima Baptist Church, through the years of Radiate Youth and College & Career. God gifted him with the ability to worship, teach, pray, and serve others in so many ways. Sending all my love and prayers to the Graves family, and taking comfort in knowing Bryan is in His presence now.
The world has lost a mighty man of God committed to Gods rescue plan of pushing back the darkness so young and old can come to the light. I saw in Bryan a man whom was deeply in love with Jesus and just as committed to being faithful as a husband, father, family member and servant of the most high. He was authentic in his modeling of his faith and full of hope for his family and all whom knew him to find their place in Gods kingdom and connect with Gods plan for their lives. I pray that each seed sown in everyone touched by his life will grow into a wonderful expression of Gods love and transforming power in our world. Praying for abundant peace and grace over Amy and the Graves family.
Lloyd Hoover- Mentor and friend
An external video has been added.
Is this Bryan??? Montclir High school