Danny Lee Graves
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Danny Lee Graves, age 81, of Medical Lake, WA sadly passed away on March 23, 2026.
Danny was born on November 27, 1944, in Austin, Minnesota to Jackie and Helen Graves. The family later moved to Southern California. He graduated from Dorsey High School in 1964, where he met his future wife, Patty, as well as lifelong friends that were a part of his life until the day he passed away.
Danny joined the Navy in January 1965. He was passionate about serving his country and joined the Navy Seabees, the construction battalion, after completing his service with the Navy. He officially retired from the Navy after 21 years of serving his country on June 30, 1992. Danny pursued a career as a plumber and accepted a position at Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant (or “The Plant” as he fondly called it) in El Segundo, where he eventually retired from at the age of 65.
Danny married Patty Molini in 1969, and the couple had 3 children, Garrett and Wendy, his biological children, and Dionna, his stepdaughter, from Patty’s previous relationship, whom he was a father from the age of 1 year old. Patty was a homemaker and was deeply involved in taking care of her family. He and Patty were married 23 years before divorce.
He then met Claudia Shattuck at a church function. They were married in 1996. They lived in Southern California for many years before moving to Spokane, WA, where they started an alpaca ranch. They had many wonderful years together enjoying their alpacas, gardening and living off the land, as well as spreading the word of Jesus Christ, which they were both
passionate about. Claudia was involved in crafts, raising alpacas, gardening and making homemade jams and jellies. Claudia sadly passed away on June 28, 2024.
Danny is survived by his children, Garrett, Wendy, and Dionna. His grandchildren, Matthew and Alec, by Dionna and Abraham and Ava, by Wendy. His great grandchildren, Justin and Aaliyah, by Alec. His niece and nephew, Teresa Mascarenas-Johnwell and Timmy Mascarenas.
Celebration of Life/Funeral Service is scheduled for June 16th, 2026, at 11:00am at The Los Angeles National Cemetery 950 S Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049. Reception TBD.
All are welcome to attend and celebrate Danny’s life.
The family would like to thank the staff of Heritage Funeral and Cremation in Spokane, WA for their compassionate care and support during both difficult times of Danny and Claudia’s passings.
