Edwin Thurlow Gritton

Edwin Thurlow Gritton died peacefully in his sleep on May 15, aged 74. Edwin is survived by his sister, Suehelen, as well as by the family of his late brother, John Lee.  Apart from John Lee, Edwin is preceded in death by his parents, William and Irene Gritton. Suehelen, Susan, Jesse, Adam, John Paul, Helen Claire, and John Henri will miss Edwin’s courageous willingness to see life’s more hilarious side.

Edwin was born on his family’s farm in 1945. He lived and was educated in Texas County before entering the United States Army, where he served at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. After Edwin’s honorable discharge, he pursued a love of anything with an engine at the Fisher Body plant. While in St. Louis, he made strong and lasting friendships with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts, Gregg Gonzalez, Danny Trower, and Paul Starnes.

Edwin had a deep and abiding love for his family, especially his brother and sister, who were his oldest and best playmates. When John Lee started a family of his own, his children could count on Uncle Ed as a fourth hand for sessions of Monopoly, Annie Over, and Croquet during summer visits. His nieces and nephew will always cherish the memory of his infectious laughter, his love of a good meal and a good story, and his pitch-perfect imitation of the clown from It.

Edwin had a brilliant mind—he could remember anything he’d ever read, and he read all the time—and a caring heart. Throughout his life, Edwin could be counted on to check up on neighbors and friends. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Disabled American Veterans or the charity of your choice. The people whose lives he touched will always remember him with love and joy.