Thomas L. Grunden, 81, of St. Marys, OH died at 1:45 a.m. Wednesday September 27, 2023 at Otterbein - St. Marys, OH.

He was born at home on a farm in rural Auglaize Co., OH to Forrest and Ailene (Grundish) Grunden. On June 20, 1964 at Zion Lutheran Church in St. Marys, OH he married Georgia Ann Berron, who survives.

Also survived by: daughter Elizabeth "Lisa" (Robert "Bob") Fitzgerald of St. Marys, OH; daughter Heather (Kevin) Glass of St. Marys, OH; son Alex Grunden of St. Marys, OH; 6 grandchildren: Seth (Katie) Fitzgerald, Isaac Fitzgerald, Brooke (Trent Schoonover) Grunden, Elnora "Ella" Glass, Brandt Grunden, Bennett Glass; 3 great-grandchildren: Caruso Schoonover, Clara Fitzgerald, Rory Schoonover; brother Dick (Jeannine Nelson) Grunden of Wichita, KS; sister-in-law Patricia Grunden of Fayetteville, GA; Sister-in-law Melody Grunden of St. Marys, OH.

Preceded in death by: father Forrest Grunden; mother Ailene Grunden-Snedeker; daughter Nanette Grunden; brother John Grunden; brother William "Bill" Grunden.

He was a graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School (Class of 1959). A veteran of the United States Air Force, he served his country from 1960 - 1963. He was a retired production employee for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in St. Marys. He was a active member of Zion Lutheran Church, American Legion Post #323 (life member and past commander, financial officer and BINGO committee chairman), National Rifle Association (life member), Western Ohio Fish & Game and St. Marys Rider Rooters. Tom volunteered countless hours to his community via the veterans' and sports programs. An avid outdoorsman, his favorite pastimes included hunting, fishing and shooting. He did re-loading, cast his own bullets and restored and sold guns. In addition, he enjoyed bowling and participated in many leagues throughout the years. More than anything else, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He and Georgia were a fixture at their many sporting events and other special activities.

Funeral rites are scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday October 3, 2023 at the Zion Lutheran Church 210 N. Wayne Street in St. Marys, with the Rev. Bill Maki, officiating. Burial, with full military honors, will follow at the Elm Grove Cemetery in St. Marys.

Visitation 4 - 7 p.m. on Monday at the Miller - Long & Folk Funeral Home 314 W. High Street in St. Marys.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Legion Post #323 to support community programs.

Condolences may be expressed and memories shared with Tom's family via: www.millerfuneralhomes.net.