Raymond Earl DeGrow, Jr., 84, of Oakfield Township, Michigan, and previously a long-time resident of Clarkston, Michigan, went home to join his Savior on February 16, 2024.
The son of Louise (Preston) & Raymond Earl DeGrow, Sr., he was on December 4, 1939 in Pontiac, Michigan, and rejoiced in the transformed life of coming to know Christ in 1972.Raymond graduated from Clarkston High School in 1957 and served three years in the United States Army, mostly in then-West Germany. Especially in his younger days, he enjoyed sailing, hunting, snowshoeing, and other outdoor pursuits. He worked 34 years as a skilled pipefitter for General Motors before retiring in 1999. He served many years in the bus ministry and AWANA children’s ministry at First Baptist Church in Clarkston.
A skilled woodworker, he leaves behind many tangible memories of his own making. Those who have known him best can attest to his quiet and thoughtful acts of service, as well as his dry sense of humor. Raymond and Sandra originally moved to Kent County in 2004 to volunteer at the headquarters of Continental Baptist Missions. In their new home they found loving communities among their neighbors and church family.
He was preceded in death by his parents. Surviving are his wife of fifty-one years, Sandra (Hutchings) DeGrow; two sons, Bradley & Jeannette DeGrow of Watertown, Wisconsin, and Benjamin & Marya DeGrow of Midland, Michigan; seven grandchildren: Kyria, Ella, Elizabeth, Cian, and Naomi DeGrow, as well as Tyler (Kaylee) and Emily Weber; and a brother, Douglas & Jeannie DeGrow of Kokomo, Indiana.
Visitation and funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Ashley Baptist Church, Belding, with the Rev. Dr. David A. Oliver officiating.
Committal services, with military honors rendered by the United States Army, are at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024 at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, Michigan.
Instead of flowers, contributions in Raymond’s memory to the Kids to Camp Fund at Ashley Baptist Church (10463 Belding Road, Belding, Michigan 48809) would be appreciated.
To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Raymond’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen’s Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, 616-754-5638, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care.