Friday, June 1, 2012

Richard A. Graeff (May 31, 2012)

Richard A. Graeff died Thursday 5/31/2012 at the Brethren Retirement Home in Greenville. Dick was born April 2, 1928 to the late Charles and Hazel Graeff in Dover, Ohio. A member of the Faith United Methodist Church in Arcanum, he served as Sunday School Superintendent, teacher, and on the administrative board. Dick graduated from Dover High School and Wittenberg University, and was a corporal in the U.S. Army, WWII. Dick was a teacher and Asst. Principal at Arcanum for 28 years, retiring in 1978. He is probably best remembered as coach of the state basketball champions of 1969, and reaching the final four in both 1967 and 1976. He also coached the track team to a state championship in 1969. After retiring from teaching, he worked as a loan officer for Gem City Savings, for Sears, sold sporting goods and Sanco Products, and worked for WDRK radio. Dick went on to serve 4 years as Mayor of Arcanum, 16 years as Darke County Commissioner, and 6 years as a trustee for Edison Community College. He was a former member of the Greenville Elks, a 50 year member of Arcanum Lions Club, 32 degree Mason, Valley of Dayton, Shrine member of both Dayton and Darke County, inducted in the Ohio High School Athletic Hall of Fame, Arcanum High School Hall of Fame, and given the Nasmith Basketball Award. He was also 1st Vice Chairman of the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission. Preceding him in death were his parents, his Sister Charlotte Graeff Maun, Brother William Graeff, and in-laws John and Bessie Jones. Dick is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marilyn Jones Graeff, and his daughters Gretchen and Terry Hawk of Tipp City, Lisa and Ken Simko of Mentor, and Molly and Robert Smart of Clayton. Four grandchildren: Alex and Bekka Simko, Brittany and Brenna Smart, and one great grandson, Ashton Brown. He had numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Services 1:00 PM, Tuesday 6/5/2012, at Faith United Methodist Church, Arcanum with Rev Mick Whistler officiating. Burial in Newcomer Cemetery. Visitation 5 - 8 PM Monday at Faith United Methodist Church, Arcanum. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Hope Foundation of Darke County for the Dick Graeff Scholarship Fund or to Faith United Methodist Church of Arcanum.