SPRINGFIELD – William D. Graber, 62, passed away Monday, May 22, 2023, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

He was born July 8, 1960, to William R. and Margaret E. (Hilt) Graber, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Connie Williams on September 27, 1985.

Bill was an administrator for the Illinois Secretary of State retiring in 2017 and was awarded the Michael D. (Mick) Ramirez IRP Volunteer of the Year that same year. He loved trains, bridges and watching Jeopardy.

Bill joined the Stephen A. Douglas Chapter of the International Order of DeMolay in 1974. He became a Representative DeMolay in 1975 and was elected and installed as Master Councilor of the Chapter in 1977. Bill received the Order of Chevalier in 1980 (the highest honor a non-adult member can receive). He was inducted into the Springfield Preceptory, Legion of Honor in 1988. He became an Advisor to the Chapter in 2001. He was recognized as a 40-year member in 2014.

Bill petitioned Springfield Lodge #4, A.F.& A.M. in Springfield, IL and was elected to membership on August 8, 1981. He was initiated as an Entered Apprentice on August 17, 1981. Passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on August 31, 1981. Raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on September 21, 1981. Bill held many offices in the fraternity including Worshipful Master in 1989 and Secretary from 1996 through 2019. He was currently the appointed Chaplain.

In addition to his regular lodge duties, Bill was appointed to several Grand Lodge positions. He served as the Grand Representative to Columbia in South America from 1996 through 2011. He also served on various Grand Lodge committees, including: the Youth Activities Committee, the Academic Bowl Committee, and the Coins for Children Committee.

Bill became a member of the Valley of Springfield, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in Springfield, IL on November 13, 1981. He served as the Thrice Potent Master, 1999 through 2001, helping the Valley find its new home on Rickard Road in Springfield. Bill received the Meritorious Service Award on June 5, 1993. He was coronated a 33rd Degree Mason on August 30, 2005. Bill further served as the Commander-In-Chief for the term of 2008-2010. In addition, he served as a Director or Assistant Director of several of the degrees. He was also Stage and Lighting Director or Assistant Stage and Lighting Director for many of his years in the Scottish Rite.

Bill joined Ansar Shrine on December 5, 1981. For many years he was the appointed Representative to the Illinois DeMolay Foundation. He further served on the Ceremonial Cast in various positions, also for many years.

He became a member of the York Rite Bodies in Jacksonville, IL. He received his degrees in Jacksonville Council #5, Cryptic Masons on January 21, 1984. He was knighted in Hospitaler Commandery #47 on March 24, 1984. Hospitaler Commandery eventually merged with St. Aldemar Commandery #47. Bill became an Earl of Torell Council #24, Knight Masons.

Bill is survived by his wife, Connie; daughters, Corinne Graber and Sara (James) Boarman; granddaughter, Anna Boarman; and his beloved Beagle, Copper.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of a Masonic Service at 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 26, 2023, at Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.