Robert Wilton Grundon, age 85, of Bonham, Texas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct.15, 2009 at Clyde Cosper Texas State Veterans Home surrounded by loved ones. Arrangements are under the direction of Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home in Bonham.
Robert Grundon was born in Harrisburg, PA, on Sept. 9, 1924 to Paul and Catherine Wilton Grundon. He married Helen Lusby Lang on April 30, 1965, in Asmara, Ethiopia and their union lasted until her death in November 1980. Mr. Grundon retired from the US Army in July 1968 after 25 years. He then started his second career serving our county working with the Foreign Service and retired there as well. Both careers took him to many countries and provided wonderful stories. After his retirement he spent many years in New Braunfels before moving to Bonham to be close to his family.
Due to his father’s death, Mr. Grundon spent many childhood years in St. Vincent’s orphanage in Philadelphia, and it was here that his personality came through and his reputation as a ‘stinker’ was born. After one too many pranks, he was asked to leave. Mr. Grundon, a bachelor until he was 40 years old, always said that he was standing on the tarmac and waiting for Helen to arrive in Ethiopia to start their life together. He had $7 in his pocket. Helen paid for her own ring, the marriage license and their honeymoon hotel room.
He said that Helen was the love of his life and after her death he thought of, and missed, her every day.
Mr. Grundon had no children but was very close to his nieces Patti Stevens and Stephanie Wood, and nephew-in-law Larry Wood, who were also dedicated to him. His brother James preceded him in death by 24 days.
Mr. Grundon is survived by brother, John Grundon, and wife, Mary of Yuma, Arizona, five nieces and one nephew.
To convey condolences or sign an online registry, please visit www.coopersorrells.com
Arrangements under the care of Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home, 2022 N. Center, Bonham, TX 75418, (903) 583-5555.
