George Drabner

1938 - 2021

George Richard Drabner Sr.

1938 - 2021

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. Online condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com.