Vernon Graber, 80, of Odon, IN passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at Jasper Memorial Hospital. He was born January 27, 1944 in Daviess County, Indiana to David and Alta (Stoll) Graber. Vernon married his loving wife, Amanda Rose (Stoll) Graber on April 15, 1973.
Vernon was a member of Bethel Mennonite Church where he served as a long time usher. He was often among the first to arrive on a Sunday morning to ensure that the bulletins were folded and that the building was ready.
Vernon was a turkey farmer and enjoyed a long career with Graber Feed Service, a family-owned business. He was a school bus driver for North Daviess Schools for many years and was a member of the North Daviess School board of directors.
His hobbies included driving his golf cart around town, early morning coffee at the local coffee shop, gospel bluegrass music, visiting with friends and growing sweetcorn for family and friends. He was very proud of his sweetcorn crop and loved supplying the community with good corn. He also took pride in hosting his kids, grandkids, and great grandchildren for the annual ‘corn day’ which always started with his donut delivery and ended with him joking that he may not plant again next year.
Vernon served his 1W service assignment at Union Hospital, in Terre Haute, IN. More recently, he served on the Madison Township Volunteer Fire Department and was a part of W&G Ambulance Service. He served on the Daviess County Handicapped Children Aid Committee, and the startup committee for Parkview Village Christian Care. He and Rose recently moved into an apartment at Parkview Village.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Amanda Rose (Stoll/Wagler) Graber and his four step-daughters; Fran Wagler (Norman) Swartzentruber of Odon, Cheryl Wagler (Wes) Bontreger, Lisa Wagler (Scott) Puckett, and Sheila Wagler (John) Troyer, all of Goshen, IN. Also surviving are his 13 grandchildren: Benjamin Bontreger, Jesse Bontreger, Mallory Bontreger, Katie (JT) Jacobson, Kora Puckett, Aaron Puckett, Leah (Chris) Boutcher, Lucas (Karlee) Swartzentruber, Isaac (Kayla) Swartzentruber, Maggie (Tye) Robertson, Andrew Swartzentruber, Amanda Troyer, and Michael Troyer. He had nine great grandchildren and was looking forward to another one to be born soon.
Also surviving are his siblings; Dorothy (Louis) Stoll, Ernest (Marilyn) Graber, Elmer Lee (Ruth) Graber, Melvin (Viola) Graber, Shirley Graber, and his sister-in-law, Betty Graber, 15 nieces and nephews, 59 great-nieces and nephews, and 22 great-great nieces and nephews.
Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, David and Alta (Stoll) Graber, his brother, Bill Graber, his sister, Ina Graber and a great-nephew, Brandon Wagler.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM on Sunday, August 25, 2024 at Bethel Mennonite Church in Odon with Carmen Detweiler officiating. Vernon will be laid to rest in First Mennonite Church Cemetery.
Family and friends may call from 1:00 to 4:00 PM and 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Saturday and from 1:00 until the time of service at 2:00 PM on Sunday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Parkview Village Christian Care, Inc. Envelopes will be available at the church.
All arrangements have been entrusted to Meng Family Funeral Home in Odon, Indiana. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.mengfuneralhome.com.
