Nelson "Bob" Robert Graves

Nelson Robert Graves, known and loved as Bob, passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on January 29, 1941, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Bob was the son of the late Rutherford Nelson and Dorothy Frances (Wadleigh) Graves.

Bob was a lifelong resident of Palmer, where he carved out a rich and fulfilling life centered around family. After graduating from Palmer High School, he served honorably in the U.S. Navy. Bob embarked on a long career in the trucking industry, starting at Dauphinies

Concrete Service in Wilbraham working with his father. By the early '80s he owned and operated his own business, NR Graves Trucking Inc., before joining Northern Tree, where he retired as a low bed driver. He was a proud member of the Teamsters Local 404, affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

A “hot rodder” as a youth, Bob was an enthusiast of classic cars and took great pride in restoring his 1938 Chevy Coupe, a testament to his love for hot rods. Alongside his beloved wife, Gunvor, to whom he was devotedly married since 1963, Bob enjoyed touring New England on motorcycles and camping adventures in their fifth-wheel camper. He was also an avid collector of Cub Cadet tractors and always ready to tackle a new project. Bob was a consummate story-teller and always had a smile and a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Gunvor, and his daughter Leah Deslauriers and her husband, Chris, all of Palmer. He is also survived by his sister, Ola Dane of Palmer. He was predeceased by his brother, William Graves. He will be dearly missed by his nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews. The family thanks Jim Burns for his friendship and support.

 In accordance with Bob's wishes, all services will be private. Donations may be made in his memory to Dakin Humane Society in Springfield, MA.  Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.