Obituary of Thomas W. Grantham

Grantham, Thomas “Tom”

Freeland, Michigan

Our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and dear friend passed away peacefully on Monday, August 8, 2022 at Stone Lodge in Shepherd, MI. He was 74 years old. Thomas William Grantham was born on January 22, 1948 in Saginaw, Michigan. Tom graduated from Saginaw High School in 1966. During his time at Saginaw High he earned, All City and All State Honorable Mention for football. Tom then attended Central Michigan University where he played football. He enlisted and proudly served his country with the United States Army during the Vietnam War in the 1^st Signal Brigade. When Tom returned home to Saginaw, he married his high school sweetheart, Constance “Connie” E. Mathews on June 3, 1972 at the Japanese Tea Garden. Tom worked for General Motors for 48 years, retiring from Nexteer in 2012 as a Quality Engineer. Tom loved old cars, especially “Old Blue”, his 1970 GMC pick-up. He was a faithful member and served on the usher team of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Tom continued to serve his country as an active member with the Local V.F.W. He enjoyed many years of golf and long distance running that he started at the age of 40. Tom loved cheering on his children and grandchildren in their sports and activities as well as the Notre Dame Irish. He was always generous with his time, skills and belongings. Tom never met a stranger, was a friend to everyone, and was always “Livin’ the Dream”, asking “Who has more fun than people?” Tom spent many years at his cottage on Lake Huron, boating and making memories with his family and friends.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Connie Grantham; children: Heidi (Tim) Henke, Kirsten (Cletis) Wellnitz and Thomas Grantham II; his grandchildren who he was very proud of: Hudson and Grace Henke, Benjamin and Sophia Wellnitz; sister-in-law, Beverly Jacobs; nephew, Robert Jacobs II; half-sister, Cindy Grantham and many extended family and dear friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his mother and father: June E. (Gardner) and William Nelson; and his brother, Robert Jacobs.

FUNERAL: A funeral service for Tom will be held at 11:00 a.m. August 12, 2022 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 125 N. Michigan Ave., Saginaw. The Rev. Curt Norman will officiate. Military honors under the direction of the United States Army and American Legion Post #22 will immediately follow the funeral service.  In keeping with Tom’s wishes, cremation will follow the funeral service. Tom’s cremated remains will be interred at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly at a later date.

VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Thursday, August 11, 2022 from 3:00 until 8:00 p.m. Tom will lie in state at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service.

MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to St. John’s Episcopal Church or the Alzheimer’s Association. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com