Richard Bowlin Grindley

Richard B. Grindley, Combat Army Veteran, Husband, Dad, Papaw, Big Papaw and Friend passed away at the age of 92, May 11, 2020 at 7:20PM at Ben Hur in Crawfordsville.

When Richard left this earth, he was reunited with the love of his life and wife of 62 years, Vivian, who preceded him in death on June 24, 2011 and now their love story continues. He was a strong man with a big heart who never met a stranger and who never let anyone go hungry if he could help it.

Born to Roy & Hannah (Bowlin) Grindley on September 21, 1927, he was a member of The Greatest Generation, and survived The Great Depression.

Following his public-school years, he was employed by the Illinois State Highway Department in Seymour, Illinois.

He served in the US Army with the 3052nd Ordnance Service Company in Yokohama, Japan. He later received an Honorable Discharge in 1947 after recovering from an illness, after they never expected him to even make it home alive on the USS Hospital Ship, Comfort.

He went from protecting and serving his country to protecting and serving his community as a Police Officer in Champaign, Illinois where he then met Vivian Heater and swept her off of her feet. They went on to marry on May 30, 1949.

Their greatest accomplishment and his pride and joy was having their daughter Teresa, who joined their lives in 1960. They all relocated to Crawfordsville, Indiana in 1961.

Richard continued to enjoy his work as a bus driver until he retired from Illini Swallow. He and Vivian enjoyed their retirement to the fullest: they fished for crappie and camped at Racoon Lake, sat in the garage nipping beans and hunted for morel mushrooms, joined the local clubs and brought smiles to every face!

“Dick” always used to say, “Oh, we had such a good time” when telling of his everyday life adventures and we believe he truly did in his 92+ years. A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, he also thoroughly enjoyed watching football, basketball, and Nascar. It was an even better experience to be there and share a beer with him. Oh how much he enjoyed being with people, telling and hearing funny stories. He possessed the ability to accept everyone - he was never known to refuse, judge or dismiss anyone. You were always welcome at his table.

He was a lifetime member of The Brian Bowman Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1431, The American Legion Post 72, Voiture 1310 La Societe 40 & 8, The Moose Lodge 6 and Member of The Order of United Commercial Travelers of America since 1957.

He will be remembered as a man who inspired and guided his family to lead lives as joy-filled and giving as his. His infectious laugh, curiosity, enthusiasm and love nourished us all. He showed us what we could be, how we could give and what a well-lived life was. He was loved by many and will be missed by all that knew him.

He is survived by his daughter Teresa Davis (William Goebel), Grandson Billy Davis II, Granddaughter Aimee (Chad) Williams, Granddaughter Alisha Davis Rosa (Clifton Gross), Great Granddaughter Ashlyn Williams, Great Grandson Trey Davis, Great Granddaughters Savannah & Sophia Williams, Great Granddaughter Cecilia Rosa, and his beloved dog Chance.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers Demcie, John & Bill Grindley and 1 sister Ruth Tatman, and his Grandson, Bryan Davis.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 15, 2020 at Sanders Priebe Funeral Care, 315 S Washington St, in Crawfordsville from 1:00pm till the time of funeral service at 2:00pm with Pastor Mike Whitacre officiating. The service will be live-streamed and recorded, which can be viewed on Richard’s obituary page at www.sandersfuneralcare.com. Burial will follow at Oak Hill South Cemetery with military rites by the United States Army and Byron Cox Post 72 Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the 40 & 8 Nurses Training Scholarship, Attn: Terry Sharpe, 83146 Housecreek Road, Bush, LA 90431. Share memories and condolences online at www.sandersfuneralcare.com