VERNON LEE GRUBB FORMERLY OF HIGHLAND, IN Vern Grubb, age 66, consummate salesman and charmer extraordinaire, passed away December 9, 2009 in Phoenix, AZ with his devoted family at his side. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sue Grubb of Phoenix, AZ; sons: Vincent (Ella) and Aaron Grubb both of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren: Eliah Grubb and Sophia Grubb of MN, Eris and Amirah Grubb of Tempe, AZ; sister, Terry (Bill) Payonk of Miller Beach, IN; and numerous loving nieces, nephews and extended family. Vern was born in Olney, IL to Ralph and Charlene Grubb who preceded him in death. He grew up in Hammond and lived with his family in Highland until his move to Arizona nearly 20 years ago. Vern was a proud Marine Corps veteran and was a Black Belt Sensei in Karate. He was an artistic man with an exceptional speaking voice who told a great story, appreciated beautiful things, a good book, and Doo Wop music. Vern did not want a service, but he would be very pleased if his friends would tip a glass this holiday season in his honor and commiserate about the unique person he was. He will always be in our hearts.
Published in The Times on December 20, 2009
Vern Grubb
"From childhood to manhood, Vernon Lee fearlessly walked the road less traveled. I was blessed to count him as a friend.........and now send prayers up for Sue, sons, Terry Ann and other family and friends privileged to have walked that road with him." Sincerely, Vicki George........childhood neighbor and longtime friend.
Vern and I were great friends in high school, we might have met in junior high at Morton. We lived on opposite side of the district probably 3 miles apart; different worlds somewhat. Vern introduced me to many interesting Hessville kids; Lloyd Brandenberg, Vicki George, Neal Lloyd, and many names forgotten. We double dated often, usually Ridge Road Drive-in; and we cruised the drive-in restaurants, Patio, Seranade, Nick's, PowWow.
We were sort of a Mutt & Jeff team, but both left handed and thought each other terribly clever.
He was a remarkable artist. I recall he was good at caligraphy, I never knew why. He got a job at a big theater down town as an usher, with uniform and flashlight. He took it very seriously. Soon he was memorizing the films. One night we got some beer and he recited all of "The Guns of Navarone" for us, with accents and all...the entire film!
After I was bounced out of college in summer of 1962, it was his idea to go downtown Hammond and see the Marine recuiter. We almost went in together, but I chickened out and went Army. After military we met again in 1965, he introduced me to my first wife. I left for California in 66' but I looked him up in 1970 when I was hitch-hiking through Hessville. But by then we were on different paths.
In summer 2009 I was in Hammond again and tried to look him up, I wish I tried harder. Vern was an influence on me, I was proud to know him.
Vicki George
Jon David Hammersmith
Vern and I were great friends in high school, we might have met in junior high at Morton. We lived on opposite side of the district probably 3 miles apart; different worlds somewhat. Vern introduced me to many interesting Hessville kids; Lloyd Brandenberg, Vicki George, Neal Lloyd, and many names forgotten. We double dated often, usually Ridge Road Drive-in; and we cruised the drive-in restaurants, Patio, Seranade, Nick's, PowWow.
We were sort of a Mutt & Jeff team, but both left handed and thought each other terribly clever.
He was a remarkable artist. I recall he was good at caligraphy, I never knew why. He got a job at a big theater down town as an usher, with uniform and flashlight. He took it very seriously. Soon he was memorizing the films. One night we got some beer and he recited all of "The Guns of Navarone" for us, with accents and all...the entire film!
After I was bounced out of college in summer of 1962, it was his idea to go downtown Hammond and see the Marine recuiter. We almost went in together, but I chickened out and went Army. After military we met again in 1965, he introduced me to my first wife. I left for California in 66' but I looked him up in 1970 when I was hitch-hiking through Hessville. But by then we were on different paths.
In summer 2009 I was in Hammond again and tried to look him up, I wish I tried harder. Vern was an influence on me, I was proud to know him.
Jon Hammersmith