Obituaries
Jan D. Graves
September 24, 2026
Jan D Graves, age 82, of Norwalk, passed away Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Fisher-Titus Medical Center after a brief illness.
He was born April 9, 1944, in Shelby to the late Granville and Dorine (Leonhardt) Graves. He was a 1962 graduate of Shelby High School and served in the US Marine Corps. He served in Washington, DC, aboard the USS Long Beach, and as an Advanced Infantry Training (AIT) instructor at Camp Geiger/Camp Lejeune, NC. He was honorably discharged in 1966, attaining the rank of Sergeant.
Jan married his childhood sweetheart, Michele, in 1966 and moved to Cleveland to attend Cleveland Engineering Institute. In 1970, he relocated to Norwalk to work for the Norwalk Vault Company and subsequently founded the Norwalk Wastewater Equipment Company (NORWECO) in 1972 using their $5000 savings that included life insurance proceeds from Michele’s father. Starting with three employees, through hard work and unwavering commitment NORWECO has grown into a recognized leader in the onsite wastewater treatment industry. At the time of his passing, Jan was the holder of 39 US patents and 13 Canadian patents in the water and wastewater treatment field.
Known for his quick wit, easy charm, and creativity, Jan was always the life of the party. He enjoyed camping, dirt-bike riding, 4-wheeling, and regaling his grandchildren with stories from his younger years – much to Michele’s dismay. He traveled around the world both in the Marine Corps and afterward with his close friends and family. He always enjoyed a project and focused his efforts mainly on family and work. Generous to a fault, Jan was the anonymous supporter of many local, national and international charitable causes.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Michele (Hunter) Graves; children, Gregory (Sandra) and Janell; and grandchildren, David and Jessica; brother, Tom (Cheryl) Graves; and his sister, Rita (Rick) Stanton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Granville and Dorine (Leonhardt) Graves; step-mother Helen Graves; grandparents Edward and Della Mae Leonhardt; sisters Terry Metzger and Susie Norris; step-brother Leslie Albright; nephew Isaac Hunter; and grand-niece Ava Hunter.
Visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 3:00 -7:00 P.M. at the Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk. And also Friday, October 2, 2026, from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at 11:00 A.M. at the First Presbyterian Church, 21 Firelands Blvd, Norwalk with Pastor James Hodsden officiating. A luncheon will follow and a graveside service will be held at 2:00 P.M. at Oakland Cemetery in Shelby with military honors.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Luther Home of Mercy, Williston, OH or your favorite charity.
Jan D. Graves
September 24, 2026
Jan D Graves, age 82, of Norwalk, passed away Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Fisher-Titus Medical Center after a brief illness.
He was born April 9, 1944, in Shelby to the late Granville and Dorine (Leonhardt) Graves. He was a 1962 graduate of Shelby High School and served in the US Marine Corps. He served in Washington, DC, aboard the USS Long Beach, and as an Advanced Infantry Training (AIT) instructor at Camp Geiger/Camp Lejeune, NC. He was honorably discharged in 1966, attaining the rank of Sergeant.
Jan married his childhood sweetheart, Michele, in 1966 and moved to Cleveland to attend Cleveland Engineering Institute. In 1970, he relocated to Norwalk to work for the Norwalk Vault Company and subsequently founded the Norwalk Wastewater Equipment Company (NORWECO) in 1972 using their $5000 savings that included life insurance proceeds from Michele’s father. Starting with three employees, through hard work and unwavering commitment NORWECO has grown into a recognized leader in the onsite wastewater treatment industry. At the time of his passing, Jan was the holder of 39 US patents and 13 Canadian patents in the water and wastewater treatment field.
Known for his quick wit, easy charm, and creativity, Jan was always the life of the party. He enjoyed camping, dirt-bike riding, 4-wheeling, and regaling his grandchildren with stories from his younger years – much to Michele’s dismay. He traveled around the world both in the Marine Corps and afterward with his close friends and family. He always enjoyed a project and focused his efforts mainly on family and work. Generous to a fault, Jan was the anonymous supporter of many local, national and international charitable causes.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Michele (Hunter) Graves; children, Gregory (Sandra) and Janell; and grandchildren, David and Jessica; brother, Tom (Cheryl) Graves; and his sister, Rita (Rick) Stanton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Granville and Dorine (Leonhardt) Graves; step-mother Helen Graves; grandparents Edward and Della Mae Leonhardt; sisters Terry Metzger and Susie Norris; step-brother Leslie Albright; nephew Isaac Hunter; and grand-niece Ava Hunter.
Visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 3:00 -7:00 P.M. at the Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk. And also Friday, October 2, 2026, from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at 11:00 A.M. at the First Presbyterian Church, 21 Firelands Blvd, Norwalk with Pastor James Hodsden officiating. A luncheon will follow and a graveside service will be held at 2:00 P.M. at Oakland Cemetery in Shelby with military honors.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Luther Home of Mercy, Williston, OH or your favorite charity.