On Tuesday, June 9, 2020, Mr. Donald “Don” Merlin Graber Jr., died peacefully at the age of 69. He was born on September 6, 1950 to Donald M. Graber Sr. and Pauline (Van Horn) Graber in Bloomington, Illinois.
Following high school, Don enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam as a Heavy Vehicle Driver with training as a Radio Mechanic and Field Radio Repairman. He spent 20 months overseas and received Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Silver Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation Badge, Expert Badge (M-16), Marksman Badge (M-14) and Expert Badge (Grenade). In July 1971, Sargent Graber had an honorable discharge.
Don married Jacquelyn (Bercaw) Graber on December 31, 1987 in San Jose, California. They met while he served as President and Football Coach, and Jacque was the Cheer Coordinator for the Police Athletic League in San Jose, California. They were married for 23 years.
Don spent most of his career working in telecommunications, which is what led him to move to Texas from California in 1989.
Don loved Nascar and was a huge sports fan, specifically the San Francisco 49ners and Dallas Stars. He enjoyed going hunting, old westerns, history, and a good book. He was also an avid music lover with an eclectic collection of classic rock. He was known for his quick wit, dry sense of humor and knowledge of random facts.
Don was an active member of the Allen First United Methodist Church, where he participated in Sunday School and volunteered during various activities. Don was an active and good standing member with VFW Post 2195 in Allen, Texas, in which his fellow comrades elected him as Sr. Vice Commander TX VFW District 1 – 2016/2017 and Commander for TX VFW District 1 – 2017/2018. He was extremely proud and dedicated to serving and helping his fellow veterans. As District-1 Commander, earned All-State and All-American honors. He was also a lifetime member of VFW Home for Children and Gold Legacy Lifetime Member in the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Don was preceded in death by his wife, Jacquelyn Graber; his father, Donald M. Graber Sr of San Bernadino, California; his mother, Pauline (Van Horn) Graber of Bloomington, Illinois and his step-son, Jeramy Soares.
He is survived by his son Christopher M. Graber of Sioux City, Iowa; daughter, Caitlin Graber of San Antonio, Texas; step-daughter, April Abbott (John) of Frisco, Texas; sister, Barbara Schmidt of Farmer City, Illinois; his brother, Richard Graber (Liz) of Bloomington, Illinois; five grandchildren, Stephanie Graber, Karley Graber, Jordan Abbott, Alex Abbott and Josaphine Soares; nephew/niece, Jason Cordes of Farmer City, IL, Sara Fults of Homer, Illinois.
A private internment will be held at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery with military honors on July 3, 2020.
Memorial donations in memory of Don may be made to the VFW Home for Children or American Diabetes Association.
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