Edsel William Grogan

Mr. Edsel William Grogan, 95, of Bonham, TX, formerly of Murray, passed away on Monday, January 6, 2020 at Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veterans Home in Bonham, TX.

Mr. Edsel William Grogan was born January 18, 1924 in River Rouge, MI to the late William and Gladys Grogan.  His childhood was split between Detroit, MI and Murray, KY. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in July 1941 prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor. During WWII he participated in the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo as well as the Battles of the Coral Sea, Midway and Guadalcanal. He was on the USS Vincennes when it sank in the Pacific in August of 1942.  Years later he served honorably in combat again during the Korean War before retiring after 20 years in 1961. During the Vietnam War, Grogan voluntarily returned and served 2 tours of duty in combat and retired again in 1971. In April 1944 he married Retha who passed away after 52 years of marriage. They had three children, Vernon, Sharon and Reena. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Retha Grogan; a son, Vernon Keith Grogan; two brothers, Jack Grogan and Max Grogan and a sister, Fay Hughes.

Those he leaves behind include two daughters, Sharon Colleen McBee and husband Keith of Durant, Oklahoma, Reena G. Van Slambrouck and husband Thomas of Apache Junction, Arizona; a brother, Gerald Grogan and wife Peggy of El Campo, Texas; grandchildren, Beth Bennett, Donna Grogan, Micki Stampley, Stephanie Van Slambrouck, Jeremy Springall, Jerod Roberts, Seven Grogan; great grandchildren, Chase Stampley, Chandler Stampley, Cheri Stampley, Mychal Chaput, Sarrah Chaput, Jesika Chaput, Shelbylin Springall, Cameron Barnes, Eli Springall, Owen Springall, Abigail Springall, Jordyn Roberts, Wyatt Roberts, Corban Grogan, Gunner Grogan, Fenix Grogan, Morgan Bennett and Conner Bennett; great great grandchildren, Oliver Masters, Bentley Chaput, Penelope Chaput, Kinsler Stampley.

The funeral service with full military honors will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at Imes Funeral Home & Crematory, downtown Murray.  Larry Call will officiate and burial will follow at South Pleasant Grove Cemetery.

His family will receive visitors from 5 pm - 8 pm on Friday, January 10, 2020 at the funeral home. 

Please join family and friends in honoring the life of Mr. Edsel Grogan by visiting www.imesfh.com and posting your tributes and memories.

Imes Funeral Home & Crematory, downtown Murray is entrusted with caring for the family of Mr. Edsel Grogan.