Nathan "Nate" Dean Graves, 22, of Indianapolis went home to be with Jesus Tuesday, March 31, 2020.  He was surrounded by his wife and family as they prayed and worshipped with him in his final hours.  Nate was born September 18, 1997 in Indianapolis to Larry and Marcia Graves.

Nate was named after his grandparents, Nathaniel and Deannie Graves, a name he was proud to inherit. He grew up on the east side of Indianapolis and went to Warren Central High School until his final semester, and graduated from New Palestine in 2015.  Nate loved hanging out with his friends, playing video games and all things Marvel Cinematic Universe, especially Spider-man.  After high school, Nate enlisted in the United States Air Force, believing that the military was a good opportunity to serve his country and better his life..  Shortly after induction, he was stationed in Italy learning about HVAC.  In May of 2018 he was diagnosed with leukemia.  Once Nate returned stateside, he, his doctors and his family began a brave battle and he received his first bone marrow transplant in September of 2018.  After that, he reached out to his high school friend, Kendra Bender, and they began dating, and they both soon realized they were meant for each other.  In June 2019, there was a relapse of the leukemia and a second bone marrow transplant was performed in September of 2019.  In January of 2020, they learned the cancer had spread to his spine and there was no further treatment available.  Upon learning of this new diagnosis, Nate had some wishes fulfilled; he married Kendra in a  small ceremony at University Hospital in Indianapolis on February 6, 2020 and later had a more traditional ceremony on February 22; they were able to honeymoon out west and visit the Grand Canyon and San Francisco.  When they returned home, Nate and his entire family traveled to Tennessee to be together.  Upon returning home, there were further complications that landed him in the hospital once again.  They learned that the cancer had rapidly spread up his spinal column and any more treatments would be useless.  At this time, Nate chose to go home where he could spend time with his family.  Even though it was difficult for him to talk and move, he was still filled with the spirit of the Lord and was looking forward to meeting his Savior.  We are all grateful for the promise that we will be with Nate again.

Nate is survived by his wife, Kendra; parents, Larry and Marcia Graves; siblings, Ryan (Casey) Graves, Kristen (Zach) Madren, and Kayla (T.J.) Baldonado; nieces and nephews, Mykenzie, Khloe, Landon, Lily, Ryan and Raine; and his beloved dog, Zoey.

Private services will be Saturday, April 4 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Nate's honor may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256; https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate