Dean
Grimes, 91, passed away peacefully on Friday December 26, 2014 with
family members at his side. He lived a long and meaningful life that
he would have described as “fantastic.”
Dean
Elmo Grimes was born on September 2, 1923, in Ursa, IL to Harold and
Fae Grimes. He is survived by his three children: son, Terry (and
Sue) Grimes of Kampsville, IL, daughter, Sandy (and Dave) Wood of
Galesburg, and daughter Nan (and Bob) Watson of Ft. Collins, CO. Also
surviving are 8 grandchildren, Nathan (and Stacey) Grimes, Ian (and
Jennifer) Grimes and Seth (and Stacey) Grimes; Sara, Ryan and Mike
(Megan MacDougall) Wood; Emily and Elissa Watson. He had seven great
grandchildren: Brennen, Zakary, Tyler, John, Julia, Evan and Caleb.
Dean’s parents and two brothers, Leroy and Maurice, preceded him in
death. He had many nieces and nephews: Diane, Jan, Brad, Kathy,
Kent, Beverly, Rita, Linda and Tom who viewed their Uncle Dean and
Aunt Jackie as very significant people in their lives.
Dean
built a grand life through good old fashioned hard work, dedication
to values, and love of family, friends and country. He was the type
of person who would light up any room he entered and he left an
indelible mark on the lives of many. He was a country boy who grew up
on the family farm in Ursa, IL. He was the youngest of the Grimes
boys who were renowned for their leadership and athletic prowess. All
three sons excelled in basketball and track and broke many school
records. Upon his graduation from Mendon High School he began his
college years at Culver Stockton College in Canton, Missouri but when
World War II broke out, he entered the Naval Air Corps. As a
bombardier, his plane flew over Hiroshima and Nagasaki viewing the
devastation as the war ended. He returned to Culver Stockton when the
war ended and during his final years at college, he taught at Canton
High School, was their varsity basketball coach and was known for his
winning record.
Dean
met the love of his life, Jackie Koch, in 1942 and they married
shortly after World War II ended in 1945. Upon graduation from Culver
Stockton in 1948, Dean soon began his 40 year career with Moorman
Manufacturing Company. At Moorman’s, he was a salesman, district
sales manager and state sales manager before becoming the general
manager of the Alpha plant in 1959. The Alpha division was the first
manufacturing plant outside of the Quincy area and the plant grew
from 42 employees to 126 employees under Grimes’ leadership.
Dean
often used his “coaching” abilities when managing his employees
as he seemed to bring out the best in each individual with his
encouragement and inspiration. His faithful and loyal employees were
often fondly referred to as his “2nd
family” and many of his former employees have continued to stay in
touch over the past 25 years.
Throughout
his life he had a strong passion for agribusiness and was active in
community, civic and farm related activities. He initiated and
served as President of the Alpha Chamber of Commerce in 1960 and was
an original board member of the Alwood Business Association. He
served on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Leadership Council
for Agricultural Education and served as Chairman of the Sponsoring
Committee of the Illinois Future Farmers of America Foundation and as
the President of its Board of Directors. Because of his work in
agriculture, he received the Honorary American Farmer Degree.
Dean
was a life-long supporter of community health care and education
serving on the OSF St. Mary Hospital Area - Wide Board for 12 years
and was a past Board President. In addition, he served on the Board
of the Galesburg Ambulance Service and was also a past President. He
served as a faithful Bridgeway Board member for many years serving on
the Boards of Harrington Family Services Foundation and Bridgeway
Training Services. Dean was a member of the Mason’s Lodge, the
American Legion, and the Sons of the American Revolution and served
many years on the Board of Soangetaha Country Club also serving as
Board President.
Beyond
work and community service, Dean enjoyed people first and foremost
and easily made lasting friendships. He loved to attend sporting
events, cheer on his grandchildren, and give them a few “pointers.”
Dean was an avid golfer who traveled to Guadalajara, Mexico during
the winter months for many years to extend the golf season and
experience the interesting culture and kind-hearted people of this
country. He enjoyed traveling with Jackie and together they journeyed
across the country and the world. He viewed life, family and friends
as unique gifts and with Dean around there was always plenty of
laughter, jokes and great stories. Holidays, Birthday Nights, and
Family Reunions were honored traditions that Dean’s loved ones will
always cherish.
Visitation
will be held on Sunday December 28th
from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Chapel; a
private family graveside service will be held on Monday at Oak Lawn
Memorial Gardens. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Bridgeway Inc., OSF St. Mary Medical Center
Foundation, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online
condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com
