Thomas Grant

1924 - 2010

Thomas Edward Grant, 86, of Thousand Palms, Calif., and formerly of Pekin, Ill., died October 30, 2010 in Palm Springs, Calif. He was born February 6, 1924 to Charles and Teresa Grant in Pekin. On February 1, 1947, he married Helen Hayes and they enjoyed 58 years of marriage until Helen's death in July of 2005. Tom worked for Corn Products Corporation for over 35 years as an auditor and then as Vice-President of Argo State Bank in Chicago, Ill. He proudly joined the U.S. Marine Corps in April of 1943 and served in the South Pacific as a Sergeant until the war's end in 1945. Tom was an avid golfer, tennis player, baseball player, and loved all sports! He was a member of the Elk's Lodge and Jack Ivy Ranch Country Club.
Survivors include his sister, Joanne and husband, Harold Oltman of Pekin; along with several nieces and nephews. He is survived by his daughter, Kathy and husband, Ron Walters of Palm Springs; and grandchildren, Debra and husband, Andy Surber of Poway, Calif., and Kristen and husband, Tim Goerzen of La Quinta, Calif. He also leaves behind great-granddaughters, Brianna, Kaitlin, and Hailey.
A funeral mass will be held November 8, 2010 at 2:00 PM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Palm Springs. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Mausoleum in Cathedral City, Calif. The family suggests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.