Thomas E. Grover

Thomas E. Grover passed away early Tuesday morning, April 28th in Indianapolis while in the care of his devoted daughter and her family.  He is survived by his wife of 62 years Phyllis J. Cromer Grover of Terre Haute, his son Thomas A. Grover (Christina) of Terre Haute, his daughter Charlynn Lucid (Doug) of Indianapolis, 7 grandchildren, their spouses, 6 great-grandchildren, two sisters and was preceded in death by brother Allen Grover.. 

Thom was a blessing to many and a strong Christian example of what it meant to be a husband and father.  It did not matter that he had no positive role model or example of how to be a good leader and supporter of a family; he listened to his heart and let it led him.  He was a living example of what it was to forgive and was the first to offer help when needed.  It did not matter what anyone had said or done, Thom would open his arms and welcome them into the home of his heart (which often led to new roommates for a while).  He was understanding and did not judge.

Thom was a gentle and firm father.  You can see his good work in his children, his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren.  When hard times hit the family, he stepped up and became that solid father-figure needed by those who suffered the lack of a good man in their life, and it didn’t stop with the family.  Thom had an affinity with the very young:  it was no secret how much he loved all children.  He took that need and talent for parenting, and channeled it in a way that affected many of our local kids:  coaching. It was his vocation to be that positive factor in a young person’s life, and he practiced it alongside his son and grandson with over 10 years of coaching for the Vigo County Youth Football League.

Thom’s coaching didn’t stop there.  He loved his golf.  Second only to his passion of being a Bears fan, Thom loved to golf.  He could take an individual – someone who had absolutely no clue about the game- and gently guide them from narrowly missing him with a wild swing of the golf club, to successful ‘chips’ with the golf ball rolling beautifully onto the green.  No yelling, no frustration, no sighs of disgust – just that slow, sweet patience that made you feel you could do anything.  He would even let you drive the golf cart.

Very simply put, Thom is and was a good man.  Those are hard to come by. He is so very loved and missed. 

There will be a visitation held for Thom at DeBaun Springhill Chapel on Friday, May 8 from 11:00-2:00. Due to new Indiana guidelines no more than 25 people will be allowed in the chapel at any given time.  Burial at Grandview Cemetery will follow after visitation.  

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