George Richard Drabner Sr. South Jordan, Utah Obituary

George Richard Drabner Sr.

CLICK HERE TO <a href="https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/45776" target="_blank">View Funeral Webcast</a> George Richard Drabner Sr., loving son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother and friend, died peacefully at home after a long courageous health battle on Monday, January 11, 2021. George was born to George Ernest Drabner and Eva Irene Lewis on October 15, 1938 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Raised from humble beginnings, he set out at the young age of 18 to change his life and circumstances. He married Barbara Ann Shirtz on April 27, 1957 and the two began their lifelong adventure and love affair. As members of the LDS Church, they were later married in the Swiss Temple in 1973. George joined the United States Army in 1957 and made it a twenty-two year career. He served two tours in Vietnam. During his twenty-two year career with the Army, George and Barbara raised five children and showed them the world. Life in the military required George to move his family about every two years. Moves included twice to Germany, twice to Texas, Alaska, California, twice to Virginia and Georgia. He moved his family in and out of Utah several times and it served as his home base. After retirement from the Army, George worked in civil service for the Department of Defense for the next twenty-two years. He and his family continued to travel the world living in Colorado, Indiana, Illinois, Washington, South Korea, Iran and Italy. George was a lifelong learner and earned a Bachelor Degree from Columbia College and dual Master's Degrees from Webster University all while working full time. We could find him studying almost every night of the week. An avid golfer, you could find him at the golf course with his buddies and brothers almost every weekend. When he wasn't studying or golfing, he also loved to bowl and watch great movies with a big bowl of popcorn. He excelled in golf and bowling and could have gone professional if he had chosen that path. George is survived by his loving wife Barbara, five children; Sheryl Drabner Metz, Utah, Sheila Drabner Kerr, Texas, George Richard Drabner Jr., and wife Sherri, Washington, Travis Drabner and wife Sheena, Utah and Tracy Drabner, Illinois. Sixteen grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. His brothers John, Steve and Gene. Preceded in death by his parents, George and Irene, his brothers, Bobby and David Drabner and son in law, Terry Metz. George was so proud of his family and his children's accomplishments. He leaves a loving legacy. His family would like to thank the VA Hospital in Salt Lake City and to all those that provided caregiver support over the years. A public viewing will be held Monday, January 18, 2021 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Jenkins - Soffe Funeral Chapel located at 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private family viewing and funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, followed by a military burial with honors at Camp Williams. A live stream link of the funeral service will be provided for the safety of our extended family and friends. We hope you will join us there.
October 15, 1938 - January 11, 202110/15/193801/11/2021
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George Richard Drabner Sr.
George Richard Drabner Sr.

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Preston Valora
January 19, 2021
We met George later in life and my family was blessed in getting to know his family. He and Barbara provided opportunities for our sons to learn to work as they mowed the lawn and helped around the house with miscellaneous needs. He was free with his smile, encouraging... Continue Reading
1 comment
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Barbara Drabner
January 26, 2021
Thank you Valora family. George was so impressed with your caring and hard working family. I am so blessed to have all of you in my life. I love all of you.
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Brian Hart
January 19, 2021
Golf was posted for George Richard Drabner Sr..
Golf was posted for George Richard Drabner Sr..
2 comments
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Brian Hart
January 19, 2021
Barbara and family, I grieve with you in losing George. You will be together again, as we know. Still, well, you know. My love and deepest condolences to you as we all grieve together.
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Barbara Drabner
January 26, 2021
thank you so much Brian for your kind words. George loved your visits so much, you had so much in common.
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Love, Israel ad Michelle Grossman
January 19, 2021
To our Dear Barbara and your Sweet Family, Please remember that we love and care about you always. Sending you our love!
Florist Choice Bouquet

Florist Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of George Richard Drabner Sr..

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Joe and Brenda Kerr
January 18, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Forever And Always

Forever And Always was purchased for the family of George Richard Drabner Sr..

A tree was also planted in memory of George Richard Drabner Sr..
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Love, Peggy
January 18, 2021
Hoping that the good memories and stories of George will bring some comfort as you find your way through this difficult time. My deepest sympathy.

1 memorial tree was planted in memory of George Richard Drabner Sr..

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JaneAnn
January 18, 2021
Tracy and family, sending heartfelt love thoughts and prayers. So very sorry for your loss. β€οΈπŸ™πŸ»
A candle was posted for George Richard Drabner Sr..
A candle was posted for George Richard Drabner Sr..
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Stephen C. Drabner
January 17, 2021
George and Barbara Drabner & family. God be with you. Love Steve & Brenda Drabner
Fond Memories

Fond Memories was purchased for the family of George Richard Drabner Sr..

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Nicole Kunau
January 17, 2021
Thoughts and prayers with Tracy and family ..Love Nicole Kunau and family
Stairway To The Heavens

Stairway To The Heavens was purchased for the family of George Richard Drabner Sr..

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Stephen C. Drabner
January 17, 2021
I was serving in Vietnam, and had extended my tour for 6 months for a 30 day vacation. I went home to Salt Lake City, and became engaged to Fololeni Wolfgramm. When I arrived back in Vietnam, my friend told me you caught your reassignment request to AFEES Syracuse, NY ... Continue Reading
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Sending love, tarah, damon, ainsley, and fletcher.
January 15, 2021
Barb and family, We are so sorry for your loss and thankful we could get to know George. You are in our thoughts.

1 memorial tree was planted in memory of George Richard Drabner Sr..