Thomas Melvin Mcgrew

Thomas Melvin McGrew, 82, of Poplar Bluff, Mo, passed away Friday, May 2, 2014, at John J. Pershing VA Hospital in Poplar Bluff.

Mr. McGrew was born June 21, 1931 in Winona, Mo. On March 31, 1990 he married Geneva Bausch in St. Louis, MO, she survives of the home. Mr. McGrew was a Paratrooper with the United States Army and retired from the City, Water, Light and Power Company in Springfield, IL, where he worked as a lineman. He was a gifted pocketknife maker, who enjoyed spending time with his family and square dancing.

Along with his wife, he is survived by his children; Stephen McGrew, of Springfield, IL, and Cynthia Grosse (Donald) of Bellville, IL; stepchildren: Erin Estabrook, of Normal, IL, and Robert McCarty (Susan) of Festus, MO; ten grandchildren: Brandon, Shannon, and David Grosse, Leila and Patricia McGrew, Thomas and Daniel Estabrook, and Jessica, Joseph, and Jadyn McCarty; and four great-grandchildren.

His parents, William H. and Zelma Lenon McGrew, as well as three brothers preceded him in death.

Visitation will be Wednesday, from 6 ? 8 p.m. at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. A graveside service with full military honors will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO, at 11 a.m., Thursday, with Rev. Keith Luke will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to UCAN or Four Oaks Hospice in Poplar Bluff.