Bobbie L. Gruell

Bobbie L. Gruell, 81, passed away Wednesday, December 28, 2011, at Reid Hospital in Richmond. Born December 1, 1930 in Connersville to Theodore and Thelma Helms Gruell, Bobbie was a 1949 graduate of Connersville High School. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War, achieving the rank of Gunner’s Mate Third Class. Bobbie had served as Fire Chief of Connersville Fire Department, retiring in 1993 after more than 30 years of service. In 2003, he retired from Village Pantry after working there for 28 years. He had also worked for REX Manufacturing and Roots Blower. Bobbie enjoyed traveling, spending time with his family, and watching sports, particularly the Cincinnati Reds. He was a member of First Baptist Church. Bobbie is survived by his wife, the former Shirley Meek, whom he married October 9, 1953; three sons; Jeffery Lee Gruell, of Cincinnati, Ohio; Mark Allen Gruell, of Greensburg; Dana R. Gruell, of Kokomo; a sister, Betty Jo Hofmann, of Oxford, Ohio. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Billy Gruell and Theodore Gruell, Jr. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville with Pastor Mal Gibson of the First Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow in Dale Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday where memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com