Henry Franklin Grimes

Henry Franklin Grimes

June 19th 1926- April 4th 2016
HOME AT LAST

Our beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather and great, great grandfather is shining down on us-

After 89 years enriching all those who knew him-Henry has completed the circle of life.

He was born in Athens, Tennessee and left home at the age of 16 to work in Michigan picking apples until he was drafted by the Army at the age of 18. He served during WWII in Okinawa and then Korea. He finished the rest of his 23 years of service in the Army Air Corp, which later became the Air Force.

While stationed at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, he met the love of his life Cleo and was wed on Sept 20th 1947. Not only did he become a loving husband but also father to two twin teen-age-girls May and Fay. Combat probably took on a new meaning—with much different rules of engagement. Then in 1953 they had their daughter Kathleen.

Once settled in McDade, Tx, he was always diligent in staying active in the community. He was the McDade VFD Chief, Vice President of the Bastrop County Firefighters Association, Treasurer of the McDade Watermelon Festival Association, member of the VFW Post 8313, Elgin Masonic Lodge 328, McDade Historical Society member and deacon of the McDade Baptist Church. He also drove a McDade school bus for 10 years. Most will forever remember him for his community pride. Henry and his beloved Grasshopper mower were always seen mowing in-town.

He enjoyed the company of his many friends that would come to be known as the McDade coffee group. The group usually consisted of Kelly Kastner, Fred Wilson, John Strong, Melvin Dube, Paul George, and Steve Johnson.

There were so many who looked after and cared for Henry in the end, but a special thanks is given to Jackie Conklin and Diane Andre.

Loved ones left to live their lives with the values instilled by him- daughters Fay Ellen Hessenius and Kathleen Grissom; son-in-law Donald Grissom; son by mutual admiration, Anthony “Tony” Mash.

Grandsons who have so much respect and memories of time spent with their grandpa- William “Billy” Hessenius Jr and wife Tabatha, Brett Hessenius and wife Pattie, Travis Grissom and wife Tandy, and Ryan Grissom.

Great Grandchildren- Christian Alexander Hale, Melanie Marie Grissom, Logan Hays Grissom, Brittany Ann Brake, Faith Michelle Hessenius and David Dale Hessenius. Great, Great Grandchildren- David Dale Hessenius Jr, and Matthew Luis Hessenius.

A visitation will be held 6:00-8:00 PM Wednesday, April 6, 2016, Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home. A Celebration of Henry’s Life will be held 10:00 AM Thursday, April 7, 2016, Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home. Interment with Military Honors will follow in the McDade Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the McDade Baptist Church