Date of death: 12/5/2014
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1974
Dr. Wayne Graves, clinical and forensic psychologist, died at UTMC on December 5, 2014. Wayne was a loving and beloved husband and father, and a compassionate friend and psychologist. Wayne was born in Perry County, IN, and attended St. Meinrad Seminary College and Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. He graduated with a Ph.D. from the University of Toledo, concentrating his education on clinical psychology. Wayne developed an interest in forensic psychology during his employment at Court Diagnostic and Treatment Center, as Director, and over the years, he provided evaluation, diagnostic and educational services to the legal community in northwest Ohio. Wayne’s skills as a therapist were exceptional, and he developed a busy private practice first at Clinical Psychologists and Associates with Dr. Dennis Kogut, and Dr. Denis Lynch. That practice grew, and later merged with another group to become Central Behavioral Healthcare, a private practice group with psychologists, social workers, and counselors. He continued as a senior partner providing individual and marital therapy to his clients, until his retirement in 2013. He was well-respected by his clients and his professional colleagues, always finding the time to share of his personal and professional knowledge in a compassionate and encouraging manner. Wayne was a member of the American Psychological Association, (Division of Psychology and Law), the Ohio Psychological Association, the Academy Register of Custody Evaluators (Diplomate), American Board of Professional Disability Consultants (Diplomate), Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology. He was committed to his profession and to the community, serving in multiple capacities to share his knowledge and expertise with others. He provided training and guidance to members of the Toledo Bar Association, Toledo Catholic Diocese, Toledo area Physicians, and the Ohio Supreme Court Judges. He specialized in Forensic Psychology and was a consultant to family courts throughout Northwest Ohio on matters of custody, visitation and child abuse. Wayne was a man for others and served in a volunteer capacity with the St. Meinrad Alumni Board, the St. Richard School Board, and Toledo Diocese Engaged Couples groups, among others. He provided leadership and knowledge in all his community involvements. Wayne enjoyed reading the Wall Street Journal, and was cited by them in an article about managed health care issues. He was frequently referenced for his professional forensic work, appearing many times as an expert witness in court evaluations and proceedings.Wayne was always enthusiastic about his life and family, and his wife, children and family were his topmost priority. He arranged his busy work schedule to make time for quality interactions with his family. He was a world traveler and adventurer, having traveled to Peru to hike the Inca Trail with his children, to Colorado to climb 14 thousand foot mountains with his brother, grandson, cousin and male comrades, and to Europe to explore the back roads with family and friends. He was an expert skier and outdoorsman, sharing his skills and encouragement with others on multiple ski trips to Colorado, Utah and British Columbia. At home, Wayne loved working in his garden and then sharing his bountiful harvests with others.Wayne was an accomplished pilot, flying his small AG5B “Tiger” with his family and friends for vacations to the Gulf Coast, to Florida, to the East coast, and just for fun to breakfasts and dinners on Put In Bay, Chicago, and other locations.Wayne is survived by his wife, Diane, an instructor with Bowling Green State University, and school educational consultant, and his children, Sara (Joseph) Shelton, Eric Graves, and Emily (Benjamin) Hanner. He is also survived by Austin and Bailey Shelton. He was preceded in death by his father, Leo Graves, and his brother, Robert Graves. Left to mourn his death is his mother, Mildred Graves, and his brothers and sisters, Don (Beverly) Graves, Dennis (Brenda) Graves, Richard Graves, Mary Kaye (Gary) Zuelly, Janice (David) Hackbarth, and Susan Graves. He will be missed as well, by his many nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Weigel Funeral Home Swanton, OH (419-826-2631). According to Wayne’s wishes, he was cremated. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 10, 2014, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Richard Church, 333 Brookside Dr. Swanton, OH followed by a mass at 1 p.m. Father Dan Zak will preside at the funeral mass. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Meinrad Seminary College, 200 Hill Drive, St. Meinrad, IN 47577.