Brig. Gen Edgar Leroy Degraw

Brig. Gen Edgar Leroy DeGraw (ret), age 95, of Topeka, KS went to be with the Lord and his beloved wife on Jan 24th, 2018.

General DeGraw was born on March 4th, 1922 in Nanuet, NY to Sidney and Myrtle DeGraw. He entered the National Guard as a teenager and attended OCS in the Army before shipping off to Fight in World War II. He fought bravely in the war, receiving numerous awards and commendations including the bronze star as a tank commander in Patton's 4th Armored Division. He returned home as a Captain, stayed in the Guard as a career, and retired as a Brigadier General in 1982 after a long and distinguished career serving the State of Kansas.

As interesting and honorable as this is, He would tell you his family meant far more to him than any accomplishment. He married his eternal love and soul mate, Rethal Ann Christensen in 1948 after falling in love with her in chapel at Bethany College. They had three children, Lee, Chris, and Roxanne and moved to Topeka where they raised their family, eventually becoming a grandfather of 5 and the great grandfather of 6.

He was a lover of reading, studying his bible, spending time with his family, golfing, and his Friday night martinis. He laughed, he sang, he told amazing stories, he taught us, and most of all he loved with all his heart.

He was preceded in death by his son, Lee, his granddaughter Britta, and his wife Rethal Ann. Services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3 at 11 am at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (37th and Wanamaker) in Topeka with a visitation for family and friends at 10 and a lunch following. Services will include a full military ceremony.

For a comprehensive look at Gen. DeGraw's career, go to https://ksngmuseum.wordpress.com/2013/07/03/bg-edgar-l-degraw/