Dewey R. Grafe

Dewey R. Grafe, age 87, a lifelong resident of Dover, passed away Monday, September 2, 2024, in Canton’s Aultman Hospital after a brief illness.

Born August 3, 1937, he was a son of the late Dewey W. and Susanna (Barthemy) Grafe. Dewey’s father worked on the building of Crater Stadium and told his son that he built the stadium for him. Dewey attended Dover High School where he played football, basketball, baseball and participated in track and field. His teammates described him as “small but mighty.” He was one of the first people in the state of Ohio to wear contact lenses to help correct his vision, and those contact lenses were paid for by the Dover Tornado Club. Dewey graduated in 1956, and went on to serve honorably in the United States Air Force. Following his discharge, he was employed by the Dover Electric Light Plant, and, in 1965, went to work for the Ashland Oil Company in Canton, from which he retired after 30 years of service. Dewey was also later involved in the parking lot striping business with his son-in-law, Scott Jerles.

Dewey was wholeheartedly a fan of the Dover Tornadoes. He coached middle school football and track, and operated the scoreboard for the Dover High School track team for 30 years. Dewey was a proud grandfather who loved attending his grandchildren’s school and sporting events. Dewey also liked following the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians - later Guardians. Some of his other favorite pastimes were boating, fishing and, in his younger days, waterskiing.

Dewey was a member of Salem Evans Creek Lutheran Church near Stone Creek, and Tuscarawas Lodge No. 59 F. & A.M., Dover.

He will be dearly missed by his children, Cindy (Scott) Jerles and Beckie Grafe, both of Dover; his grandchildren, Ashley (R.J.) Graziul and Cody and Lindsey Jerles; his great-grandchildren, Tatum and Teagan Graziul; and his nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Dewey was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 58 years, Margaret “Sue” (Espenschied) Grafe, on July 26, 2021; his daughter, Jennifer Grafe; his sisters, Dorothy Strucin, Arlette Donato, Betty Robson and Elizabeth Good; and his brothers, Alcide and Charles Grafe.

Family and friends are invited to call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover on Saturday, 2 - 4 p.m. A memorial service will follow at 4, officiated by Pastor Patti Abel. Burial will be later in Salem Evans Creek Church Cemetery.

The family suggests that contributions in Dewey’s memory be made to the Dover Tornado Club, P.O. Box 81, Dover, Ohio 44622.