Dean W. Rabe, 89, passed away Monday, October 3 at his home in Lenexa, Kansas.
Dean was born June 18, 1916 in Topeka, the son of Amos H. and Mamie Thorne Rabe.
He spent the majority of his life in Topeka where he graduated from Topeka High School and attended Washburn University. Dean served as a pilot instructor with the Civil Air Patrol during World War II. He was a founder of Topeka Wholesale Drug Company, which later became Drug Distributors, a subsidiary of the Fleming Company. He later owned and operated the Sports Center family entertainment center on SW. 10th St. He retired in 1994 and moved to Lawrence, Kansas.
He married Juanita Dick on September 17, 1941 in Topeka. They had four children. Dean is survived by his wife Mahala Honeyfield whom he married on December 10, 1961 in Topeka. He was preceded in death by a brother, Eugene Rabe and a sister Katherine Rabe.
Other survivors include three daughters; Pris Keefer and her husband Lee, Mary Haines and her husband Bob, Sharyl Swanson and her husband Stan; two sons, Kermit Rabe and his wife Susan and Terry Rabe and his wife Pat; 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Cremation is planned. The family will greet friends from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am. Thursday, October 6 at First United Methodist Church. Inurnment will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to Habitat For Humanity, 1000 SE. Hancock, Topeka, Kansas, 66607 or to Lunch Bunch at First United Methodist Church, 600 SW. Topeka Blvd., Topeka, Kansas 66603.