Thomas L. Graber
August 18, 1949 ~ November 13, 2020
Thomas L. Graber, 71, passed away Friday, November 13, at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. He was born August 18, 1949, to Homer D. Graber and Dorothy (Stucky) Jones. After graduating from Southwestern College in Winfield, KS, he furthered his studies at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries in Elkhart, IN, and at Indiana University South Bend, IN. After working at a number of places in Indiana, Denver and Kansas, he retired from Borders Books & Music in Wichita in 2011. He enjoyed his own large personal library of books as well as playing golf. That was a passion for many years and he played a number of mountain courses while living in Denver. On a trip to California, he was also able to play rounds at Pebble Beach and at Spyglass Hill.
Music was a major part of his life as well, beginning with singing in choir and playing saxophone in school. He was also part of an instrumental jazz combo started by Newt Graber that included a brief appearance on a local TV station. His large, eclectic collection of CDs attests to the continued importance of music in his life.
Tom was a very compassionate person who worked for a short time with developmentally challenged adults at Starkey, Inc. in Wichita. He also thoroughly enjoyed his young nieces and nephews as they arrived through the years. Family was always important to Tom and, after marrying Colleen in 1970, he appreciated becoming part of the large Flickinger clan and their regular extended family reunions.
The deaths of his father and Colleen's brother Brad very suddenly on the same day in February, 1984, was a difficult time. And in 1995, he and Colleen decided to move back to Kansas to be closer to family that included his Grandpa Rudy Graber. Tom's mother had also experienced some health issues, so he and Colleen found a house that enabled her to live with them and retire from working. She currently lives in an assisted living apartment at Prairie Sunset Home in Pretty Prairie where visitation has unfortunately been limited to COVID-19. However, they were able to retain a close relationship by telephone.
Tom was preceded in death by his father and his brother-in-law Brad Flickinger. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Colleen; mother Dorothy "Dottie" Jones of Pretty Prairie, KS; uncle Reed (Virginia) Graber of Pretty Prairie, KS; brother Bruce (Mary) Graber of Salina, KS; brother-in-law Mark Flickinger, Wichita, KS; sisters-in-law Dee Dueck, Tulsa, OK; Judy Campbell, Nevada, MO; Mary (Kirby) Krehbiel, Hutchinson, KS; nine nieces and nephews plus 5 grand nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary, Wichita, on Wednesday, November 18 from 6-8 PM. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, November 19 at 2 PM in Pretty Prairie, KS, at the First Mennonite Church Cemetery. Share tributes online at www.dlwichita.com
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Dear Colleen, We are so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing! Praying that God will bring you comfort and peace! High school days were better and more memorable with Tom in them! Love and hugs, Jim and Rita Bay Elkton, FL