Thomas Welton Grimes

Thomas W. Grimes (84), of Lenexa, KS, formerly of Sedalia, MO, passed away on March 10, 2025, from ALS.

He was born on October 11, 1940, in Sedalia, MO, the son of Ralph W. and Emily J. Wilson Grimes. On October 4, 1964, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Sedalia, he was united in marriage to Mertie Gayle Ford. Their first home was a lovely apartment at 1610 W. Broadway. After various moves due to his occupation, they purchased his childhood dream home in Beaman, MO, in 1971. It was known as the "Country House" or Clear View Acres. The Beaman community was made up of loving and caring people, making it a perfect place to raise their daughters, where they remained until they moved to their present home in Lenexa, KS, in 2013.

He was blessed with two beautiful daughters who gave him so much to be proud of throughout the years and, finally, the joy of his four awesome grandsons.

He attended Olive Branch School through 3rd grade and Smithton School through 12th grade. He loved basketball and track and excelled at both, playing Varsity as a Junior and Co-Captain as a Senior and had many 1st place trophies in track. He graduated from Smithton High School in 1958 and attended CMSU and MO Valley in Marshall.

He was active in 4-H from age 8-20. His main project was showing his Jersey cattle at various county fairs and the MO State Fair. The sale of the milk and cream helped purchase his 1st vehicle, a 1955 Ford F100 pickup, which was restored to a classic show truck.

He served in the MO Army National Guard from 1959-1965, reaching the rank E-4, and was qualified as a sharpshooter. When the missile sites were being constructed in our area, he drove a delivery truck for Boeing from W.A.F.B. to Sedalia and back. He continued working in the area for Morris-Knudson on a survey crew.

His career began in the summer of 1964, when he drove a dump truck for Jody Reine, and the rest is history. Then, a partnership was formed with Luther Jordan, known as Grimes and Jordan, which existed until he purchased his 1st truck and started Grimes Hauling CO., Inc. His company spanned 42 years working for various companies. Fleming and Babcock was the longest employer, lasting 28 years. He finished his career with Scott Heller Trucking Company.

The end of his career was not by choice but due to a serious and almost fatal medical error resulting in the sale of his shop, truck, trailer, and Grimes Hauling CO, Inc. to a sad end in 2014. As you might have guessed, he loved his career choice and was very good at it. He said, "If you love what you are doing, you never work a day in your life".

Retirement brought lots of reading in various parks and parking lots. Last but certainly not least were the many cruise nights and Classic Car Shows. He showed the '55 Ford F100 pickup until his absolute joy, a 1959 El Camino, was completed. His time from April through October was filled with making new friends as he attended the car shows, but as we all know, the old and lasting friendships remain forever.

He is survived by his wife, Mertie, of the home; two daughters, Dee Hicks (Jason), Shannon Crane Johnston, and Josh Johnston; four grandsons, Garrett Crane, Thomas Johnston, Brock, and Blake Hicks; many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends who were touched by his warmth and kindness.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Virginia Monsees, and his stepfather, Hank Duchone.

A private family graveside memorial will be held at Salem Cemetery, Smithton, MO.

Memorials

Missouri State Fair Foundation

2503 W. 16th

Sedalia, MO 65301

Salem Cemetery of Pettis County

23340 Highway O

Smithton, MO 65350

www.ALS.org

Arrangements are in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.