Walter Charles Graeber

Walter Charles Graeber, of Kosse, passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2013, at age 94. Visitation will be Thursday, August 15, 2013, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Groesbeck Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, August 16, 2013, at the First United Methodist Church in Kosse, with Brother Jimmy Phillips and Reverend Rita Sims officiating. Burial will follow in the Kosse City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jourdan Howard, Chris Howard, Leonard Hoffman, Ed Carter, Charlie Wallace, and David Graeber. Walter was born January 4, 1919 in Independence (Washington County), Texas, to Henry W. and Emma Graeber. He was the seventh of ten children. In 1940, at the age of 21, Walter was recognized in the Houston Chronicle as one of only two government licensed Parachute Riggers in the Houston area. He worked at the National Guard Airport. He enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1944 and was immediately assigned as a parachute rigger trainer. He received an honorable discharge in 1946. He had many sleepless nights knowing the lives of other airmen depended on the quality of his work. Walter’s professional career centered on the aircraft industry. In the 1960’s, he was a member of a select group chosen to work on military aircraft in Washington, D.C. Walter retired from Rockwell Collins, where he was the “go-to” guy when design issues surfaced in sheet metal fabrication related to avionics and services to the governmental agencies, as well as aircraft manufacturers. He was a problem solver. Walter married Mary Louise Howard in 1953 in Dallas. Their romance and 58-year marriage began with an innocent, “would you care to dance?” and Mary’s reply of “well, I’ll give it a try.” Walter and Mary built a happy fulfilled life based on God, love, trust, and integrity. They bought a house in North Dallas and lived there until they moved to Kosse in 1979. They had been week-enders at their Kosse farm for ten years before making the move. The move to Kosse proved to be the right choice. They thrived in Limestone County. Walter had great plans for the farm, and began working on his projects. He was a hands-on guy, always doing and fixing. He quickly became involved in city, community, and county activities. After much encouragement, he decided to run for Mayor of Kosse. He was elected, and after serving as Mayor for some fourteen years, he decided it was time to devote himself to more of the farm projects which had been put on hold. Walter and Mary were always ready to contribute to their town and Limestone County. The awards and plaques they received over the years would fill a room. Walter not only held the office of Mayor, but also was City Judge, a charter member of the Kosse Lions Club, Co-founder of the Limestone County Crime-Stoppers, and worked with Limestone County Senior Services. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Kosse. Walter was a good man, a natural giver; a man of honesty who was gifted with a common sense approach to problem solving that served him well throughout his life. His contribution to Kosse and Limestone County will remain apparent for years to come. Mr. Graeber was preceded in death by his parents; seven of his brothers and sisters; a son, Robert Howard, and his wife, Mary Graeber (2011.) He is survived by his son, Jim Howard of Kosse; six grandchildren: Lindsey Howard, Jourdan Howard, Chris and Theresa Howard, Robert and Amanda Howard, Mike and Kathy Howard, and Jacquoi Lewis; eight great grandchildren: Tanner Howard, Cody Howard, Kenne Lewis, Kim Lewis, Taylor Howard, Kelsey Howard, Amanda Howard, and Michael Howard; and two sisters: Clara Hoffman of Dallas and Lorine Wallace and husband Harold of Houston, and nieces and nephews.