Dr. Harry L. Graber, 90, of West Liberty, passed away Thursday evening, November 18, 2021, at Green Hills Care Center.
Dr. Graber was born in Leo, Indiana, on August 23, 1931, to the late Benjamin and Anna (Liechty) Graber. He married Roberta Mae Schertz on December 22, 1957, in Fisher, Illinois, and she preceded him in death on September 15, 2007. He was also preceded in death by 3 brothers, 4 sisters, and a step-son-in-law John Thomas.
Dr. Graber is survived by his current wife, Kathleen (Cantrell) Graber of West Liberty, whom he married on July 26, 2008, in Cincinnati. He is also survived by daughters: Cheryl L. (Kenneth) Shank of West Liberty, and Rhonda S. (Myron) Blosser of Harrisonburg, Virginia; sons: Rodney C. (Hope) Graber of Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Charles L. Graber of Bellefontaine; grandchildren: Benjamin (Sarah) Roth Shank, Esther (Stewart) Nafziger, Jacob (Kaitlyn) Shank, Kurtis Blosser, Kelsey (Everett) Brubaker, Bryce Blosser, Patrick Graber, Liesl (Seth) Dandurand, and Larissa Graber; 5 great-grandchildren: Mahlon and Asher Blosser, Loam Brubaker, Liam Nafziger, and Eden Roth Shank; step-grandson Gray Urglavitch; God-son Albert (Elizabeth) Massaquoi; numerous nieces and nephews; Kathy’s daughters: Ann Thomas, Candace (Max) Sharp, and Caroline (Larry) Arnett; and her 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Dr. Graber was an elementary teacher for several years in Indiana, and also on the Navajo reservation in Arizona, before going to medical school. He was a founding doctor at Oak Hill Medical and the Cardiology Associates at Mary Rutan Hospital. Dr. Graber was active in the community as a member of West Liberty–Salem school board for many years and completed sports physicals for their athletes. He faithfully attended local football and basketball games over his lifetime. He was a member of Bethel Mennonite Church in West Liberty, and the local Gideon chapter, as well as serving on Mercy Ship missions several times.
Dr. Graber participated in research identifying cardiac genetic disorders while he was an Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing and had 5 Hole-in-Ones to his credit. At the age of 90, he was routinely playing golf and scoring below his age! He founded, with Dr. Dodson, the West Liberty fastpitch softball team “Paradox.” Dr. Graber also enjoyed spending time gardening, walking in nature, looking at trees – taking care of the health of the whole person. A published author, he wrote “The Making of A Physician: This Is My Calling.” Dr. Graber was a godly man, with a gentle disposition, and caring heart.
Friends may call Saturday, November 27, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine. Due to Covid concerns, a private funeral will be held on Sunday, November 28, at 9:30 a.m. at Bethel Mennonite Church, West Liberty. If you wish to view the service, please search YouTube for “Dr. Harry Graber Memorial Service” which will livestream after 9 a.m. on Sunday. A private burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, West Liberty.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Dr. Harry Graber Medical Education Fund, in care of Mary Rutan Foundation, 205 Palmer Avenue, Bellefontaine, OH 43311.
Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the Graber family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.