Friday, July 5th, 2024
David Granger
David L. Granger, 93, of Winter Haven, Florida, passed away on July 3, 2024.
Born April 30, 1931, in Ft. Recovery, Ohio, he was the son of the late Earl C. Granger and Clela (Runyon) Granger. He grew up in Ft. Recovery, Ohio and spent most of his adult life in Celina, Ohio. He became a resident of Florida in 2005, residing in Dove's Rest, a Christian mobile home park in Winter Haven, FL.
He married his high school sweetheart, Dortha Zimmerman Granger, in 1951. They had four children, Bruce Granger (Roberta), Chicago, Illinois; Kathryn Oliver (Gerald), Midlothian, Texas; Connie McRill (Jerry), Seven Fields, PA; and Carolyn Fitzsimons (Don), Olathe, Kansas. He has seven grandchildren, and 18 great- grandchildren. A great-grandson, Micah Crimmins, preceded him in death in 2008. His first wife, Dortha, died of cancer in 1963, and he later married Esther Leonard Granger, who also preceded him in death in 2007. He was married to Betty (Kendall) Granger from 2008 to 2022, who also preceded him in death.
Mr. Granger was a graduate of Ft. Recovery High School in Ft. Recovery, Ohio and Miami-Jacobs College. Celina, Ohio was home to him for 68 years before moving to Florida. Prior to that, he enjoyed many winters as a Florida Snowbird. He was an employee of Celina Insurance Group as Vice President of Marketing, in Celina, Ohio for over 50 years, retiring in 1994. He was a trustee for Richardson-Bretz Memorial in Celina for over ten years. He was a very active member in the Celina Church of the Nazarene, serving as a board member, Sunday School Superintendent, worship leader, Building Chairman for a new church, 25 year member of the District Advisory Board for Northwest Ohio District Church of the Nazarene.
A farm west of Celina, OH, was where he took pride in maintaining the family homestead. Some of his hobbies included: farming, wood working, and helping his children with home improvement projects.
His favorite scripture was Proverbs 3:5-6. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." At his retirement luncheon, his boss asked him his secret to his many years of service, and he quoted this verse.
His life always centered around his church and his family. He made several mission trips to Haiti, Mexico and Peru.
A celebration of life service is planned at Dove's Rest in Winter Haven, FL, on July 4th, 2024. In addition, a private memorial service will be held at a later date in Ohio.
