Dean Edward Graber's Obituary
Dean Edward Graber was born to Ben and Esther Graber on December 8, 1936 in Moundridge, Kansas. He grew up on a farm where he learned the value of hard work. He met Carol Friesen at Central Christian High School and they later dated in college. Dean and Carol married following college graduation on June 3, 1961 in Wichita. Their family eventually grew to include Gregory Brent and Galen Bradley. The Grabers recently observed their 61st wedding anniversary, thanking the Lord for many years of happiness together.
Dean attended Tabor College, and the University of Wichita where he earned his Master’s Degree. Upon graduation he sat for the CPA exam and passed all parts in the first sitting. While working for Elmer Fox and Co. Accounting firm in Wichita, he also taught evening classes at WU. That eventually prompted a move to the University of Missouri in Columbia where he received his PhD in Accounting. His teaching career included the University of South Carolina at Columbia, S.C., the University of Tulsa, and Northeastern State University. During sabbaticals and summers he engaged in various entrepreneurial pursuits. Following retirement as Professor of Accounting Emeritus, Dean taught at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji and Samoa, and at Lithuania Christian College in Klaipeda, Lithuania.
As a young boy, Dean trusted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He experienced spiritual growth through personal Bible study and in the churches they attended. Dean taught college age Bible class, served on elder boards, as finance officer, and sang in the choir. As a professor, his beliefs, integrity, and business ethics were a positive influence on his students. His life reflected the character of Christ and his spiritual leadership in the family will have a lasting influence.
Working in the yard at home was an enjoyable pastime, as well as building projects in his garage workshop. Dean was a genial host as he and Carol hosted parties and frequently had groups of friends over to visit. The Graber family enjoyed traveling together, both in the U.S. and abroad. On one such trip they discovered a Graber ancestral home in France. Dean and Carol spent fourteen winters in Florida, enjoying their children and grandchildren in Cocoa Beach and Merritt Island. While there, they made many new friends at church and also engaged in volunteer work.
Dean leaves to carry on his legacy, his wife, Carol; son Gregory Brent; son Gaylen Bradley and wife Jennifer; and grandchildren Lauren Ashleigh Graber; Judah and wife, Lainey Graber; and Gabriel Graber; two brothers, Don Graber; and Dr. Richard Graber and wife, Melita; and a brother-in-law, Cliff Gardner.
Those welcoming him “home” are his parents and sister, Shirley Gardner, sisters-in-law, Mary Graber, Roberta Graber, and nephew Dr. Phillip Graber as well as a host of relatives and friends, including his men’s breakfast club!
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 21 at 2:00 in the Chapel of South Tulsa Baptist Church, 10310 S. Sheridan.
The Graber family wishes to thank the staff of South Tulsa Baptist Church, their friends for their prayers and expressions of sympathy, and Transitions Hospice for their gracious assistance.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be designated to: Tabor College, 400 South Jefferson, Hillsboro, Kansas 67063 or Oklahoma Baptist University, 500 W. University St. Shawnee, Oklahoma, 74804
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