Obituary: Lornce E. Grimes

Print Obituary

In memory of

Lornce E. Grimes

of Interior, South Dakota, died on Saturday, August 2, 2008 at the Philip Nursing Home at the age of 84

Lornce Everett Grimes was born June 22, 1924, in Mellette County, the son of Everett and Eva May (Gray) Grimes. He grew up on his parents’ ranch north of Belvidere, where he received his education in rural school in that area.
As a young man he worked as a ranch hand for various ranchers and also ran his own cattle. In 1957 he moved to Alaska where he worked in the logging business until returning to the Kadoka area.
Lornce was united in marriage to Mary Lou Lange on December 23, 1965 in Rapid City. They made their home on various ranches in the area before finally settling down in Interior.
He worked as a blade operator for the Jackson County Highway Department, a position he held until retiring in the mid 1980’s. After retiring, he continued to reside in Interior where he was the Interior City maintenance man until 1997.
His wife preceded him in death on April 2, 2000.
Due to health reasons, he moved into the Philip Nursing Home in 2002, where he has since resided.
Lornce enjoyed helping his wife, fishing with his children, and spending time with his grandchildren. He especially enjoyed spending time with Stephanie and Heather Gartner and Jamie Whirlwind Horse.Lornce always had a smile on his face and enjoyed being with family and friends.
Grateful for having shared his life include five sons Allen Grimes and his wife Lisa, Dean Grimes, Tony Grimes and his wife Crystal, and Willie Grimes and his wife Amanda, all of Interior, and Tom Grimes of Murdo; eight grandchildren Mason, Damion, Bailey, Tate, Rayna, Makayla, Wylee and Kelby; a nephew whom they raised Travis Saunders of Interior; a step-granddaughter Jamie Whirlwind Horse of Allen; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Lornce was preceded in death by his wife Mary Lou on April 2, 2000; his parents; two brothers John and Lewis E. "Louie" Grimes; and a sister Opal Thompson.
Visitation was held 4-7 p.m. on Monday, August 4, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.
Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 5, at the Interior Fairview Cemetery in Interior, with Pastor Dave Morrison officiating.

GRAVESIDE SERVICES
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 – 10:00 a.m.
Interior Fairview Cemetery
Interior, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Dave Morrison

PALLBEARERS
Allen Grimes – Dean Grimes
Tony Grimes – Willie Grimes
Tom Grimes – Travis Saunders

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT
Interior Fairview Cemetery
Interior, South Dakota

Visitation: 4-7 p.m. on Monday, August 4, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.
Graveside Services: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 5, at the Interior Fairview Cemetery in Interior.

Sign the guestbook

So sorry to hear about Lornce. I remember when he and Mary Lou along with Travis used to come to the house after the football games. I can still remember Lornce and his tales that he would tell. What a great man he was. Our condolences are with the family. ~ Janelle Madsen Popwell Wellington, Texas (8/2/2008)
To Lornce's Family:
Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your dad. He was such a wonderful man. I always enjoyed visiting with Lornce or giving him a hard time just like he did to me while I was working at the nursing home. No matter how bad a day you were having you couldn't help but smile when he would say "Hey Kid, gotta chew!" Try to reflect on the wonderful times that you had with him to get you through the days ahead. I am sure that he is with your mom right now getting her to cook him a great meal complete with pumpking pie. If you guys need anything don't hesitate to let us know. Love & Prayers! ~Jeff & Wendy ~ Wendy & Jeff Madsen Cottonwood, SD (8/2/2008)
Our sympathy at the death of Lornce. We had many many visits at the Nursing Home and always enjoyed his friendly smile and greeting. God bless his memory. ~ Glenn and Rita O'Connell Philip (8/2/2008)
To the boys and family,
We will all miss Pop's smiling face, his gentle ways, and his kindness to all. I have many happy memories of Mary Lou and Pops... ~ Jessica Livermont Wall (8/2/2008)
Lornce always had a smile in the morning when I arrived for work. We got to be friends because he left his can of chew in his pocket occasionally and I would find it when sorting laundry and return it to him. He was such a kind and friendly man and will be missed by the staff at Philip Nursing Home. My daughter, Danae who is a CNA and is on maternity leave and still in Rapid with her baby also wanted me to convey her sympathies and wants to let Lornce's family know he was very special to her and she will miss him. May God be with you all during this sad time. ~ Disa Philip (8/2/2008)
Just to let you know that we always thought of your Mom and Dad as family. They will always have a special place in our hearts.Love and Prayers, Bruce and Bonnie ~ Bruce and Bonnie Madsen Kadoka S.D. (8/2/2008)