Alvin Graber

October 21, 1942 - July 6, 2023

Alvin Lavern Graber, 80, of Waynesboro, passed away Thursday, July 6, 2023, at home, surrounded by family. He valiantly fought cancer and many other health challenges since 2016 but the battle is over and he is now free!

Alvin was born on October 21, 1942, in Arthur, IL, and was the son of Amos S. Graber and Anna Miller Graber. He was preceded in death by both parents and two brothers, Jake Graber, of Arthur, IL and Sam Graber of Kissimmee, FL. He was married to Doris Louise Huber on June 4, 1966, who survives.

Alvin was raised as an Amish boy until he was 16 years old when he joined the Mennonite church. Alvin was a conscientious objector during the war and served in Cincinnati, Ohio, working in a hospital. It was there that he met Doris, who was serving at “The Peace Center”.

They were married and moved to Illinois for 2 years before making the first of many moves.

They, along with their four children, lived in Indiana, Tennessee, and Virginia, where Alvin pastored different churches while also working in construction. He co-founded Kingdom Builders in the 1980’s, from which he retired in 2008. He then enjoyed working in his garage, growing flowers, wearing different hats (literally) and volunteering locally. He enjoyed working at Lowe’s in Waynesboro for 2 1/2 years more recently.

Alvin was involved in missions, having traveled to many countries, including Colombia, Zambia, Nepal, Thailand, France, Nicaragua and others. He also worked stateside doing disaster relief work as a project manager for MDS, Mennonite Disaster Service, in many different states.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Doris Graber, and their children; Grant (Chelsea) Graber of Akron, PA, Greg (Donna) Graber of Grottoes, VA, Glenda (José) Castro of Waynesboro, VA and Galen (Jenny) Graber of Waynesboro, VA. Also surviving are his grandchildren: Josh, Chasity, Solomon, Sania, Jacob, Janie (Hunter), Mary Grace, Mason, Landon, Baylor, Aspen and Justus, along with two great-grandchildren - Eliza and Lincoln. Alvin also leaves behind nieces and nephews, other relatives and many dear friends from around the world.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 – 5:00 P. M., Sunday, July 9, 2023 at Bridge Christian Church,1275 Goose Creek Road, Fishersville, VA 22939 and where services will held at 11:00 A. M., Monday, July 10, 2023. Private, family only burial in Hildebrand Mennonite Church Cemetery, Waynesboro will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Love Inc., P. O. Box 1003, Fishersville VA 22939. Web: http://loveincsaw.org/contact.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.charltonandgroomefuneralhome.com