Obituary: Jack Park DeGraw

Jack Park DeGraw 1920 ~ 2006 Jack Park DeGraw, 86, left this earth December 23, 2006. He was born in Knowles, Oklahoma on September 1, 1920. As a young man he rode saddlebroncs and bulls at rodeos in Oklahoma. He relocated to Colorado during the depression and joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. Jack married the love of his life, Thelma Maxine Simmons, on Oct. 4, 1941. In 1942, Jack (Sgt. Snuffy) joined the U.S. Army to serve his country during World War II. He was part of the Normandy Invasion and was wounded in action in France, receiving a Purple Heart. He was a member of the Operating Engineers Local Union #3 for over 40 years, where he was a part of building structures, schools, stores, and buildings throughout Utah. Jack enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and most of all, sitting on the porch saying hello and waiving to his neighbors. Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma, father, Joseph Park, mother Clara, brothers Earl and Billy, and sister Norma Stokes. He is survived by his son, Jack L. (Deanna), daughter, Donna Truitt (Bill), grandchildren, Megan Roeder (Mike), Jaimie Maio (Matt), Bree DeGraw, and Justin Truitt, and great grandchildren, Jackson Maio, Park Roeder, Joel Maio, and Devin Roeder. Jack's family would like to convey their sincere appreciation to everyone at the Utah State Veteran's Nursing Home for their part in caring for him during his final stage of life. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, January 2nd at 11:00 a.m. at Mountain View Estates, 3115 S. 7800 E., Cottonwood Heights, Utah.