Donald E. Grau, Sr.

Donald Edward Grau Sr., 80, passed away peacefully on Friday March 11, 2022, in his Monroe, Ohio home, ending his long journey with dementia. Don is survived by his wife of 52 years Vicki; daughter Tracey Kramer (son-in-law Thom and grandsons Trevor and Tanner) and son Donnie (daughter-in-law Shannon, granddaughter Haley and grandson Derek); sisters Carol Curless and Sherry Bronner. All knew him as kind, fun-loving and endearingly goofy. His jokes, entertaining stories, dance moves, and theatrical performances at his church made others smile. His competitive nature came through in bowling and cards and at times, he’d even quote the Book of Hoyle to prove his point. Don was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Midway (CV-41). He took the call as the aircraft carrier radio operator when President Kennedy was assassinated. He spent most of his career in the trucking industry but held several other jobs to help provide for his family. His most proud achievements were marrying his wife, raising his children, and spoiling his grandchildren. A service will be held on March 26th at St. Paul Lutheran Church 106 Maple Street Reading, Ohio 45215 at 4:00 PM, gathering beginning at 3:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Dayton 324 Wilmington Ave. Dayton, Ohio 45420.