GRAZAR, Donald A.

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Monday, June 25, 2012 Donald A. Grazar, 69, devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2012. Don was born on Oct. 1, 1942, in East Peoria, Ill., to Donald and Ruth (Schenk) Grazar the firstborn son who became big brother to five younger sisters. A successful athlete, Don lettered in wrestling, basketball, track and baseball. Following high school, Don enlisted and served honorably in the United States Marine Corps. Don's diligence and drive led him from sweeping the shop of a custom furniture manufacturer, to owning and operating his own upholstery business, to a lifelong career as an esteemed and highly awarded executive in the furniture industry. First employed in sales by Van Waters & Rogers in 1970, Don was sought after by Hanes Industries in 1984. A coach and team player at heart Don moved steadily up company ranks in Southern California, mentoring and developing his team each step of the way until his retirement in 2006. Two stints on the board of the Association of Woodworking and Furniture Suppliers gave Don the distinction of serving in every position of leadership, including two terms as president. On Dec. 16, 1967, Don married his best friend and biggest fan, Terri Krum. They were blessed with a son, Christopher and a happy life of fishing, golfing, camping, friends and family. Don and Terri moved to Dewey, Ariz., in 2005, and were thereafter further blessed with visits from an ever increasing number of grandchildren. Don is survived by his wife, Terri; son, Chris (Michelle); grandchildren, Joey (4), Tessie (3), Rosie (1), and one on-the-way; and sisters, Mary, Betty (Neil), Cheryl (Mark) and Sandy (Mark). Family and friends are invited to worship God and celebrate Don's life at Open Door Baptist Church, 8451 E. Stevens Drive, Prescott Valley, Ariz., on Wednesday, June 27, 2012. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. and a reception immediately thereafter. Interment will take place on Thursday, June 28, 2012, at 10 a.m. at West Resthaven Park Cemetery, 6450 W. Northern Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are being accepted by Bank of America, 7490 E. State Route 69, Prescott, AZ 86314, for the Grazor Children's Benefit Fund. Sunrise Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit www.sunrisefuneralhome.com to sign Don's guest book. Information provided by survivors.