E. Merwyn Grace

E. Merwyn Grace, 89, of Gower, MO passed away Wednesday, December 21, 2016. 

He was born in Bethany, MO on June 7, 1927 to Guy and Laberta (Kidwell) Grace who lived in Grant City at the time.  He spent his early years in Grant City, moving with his parents to a farm near Martinsville, MO in 1933.  He graduated from Martinsville High School in 1945.  He had pre-enlisted in the Army Air Corp as an Air Cadet in 1944 and went immediately into service.  He served in Alaska and remained in the Air Force reserves and later in the Air National Guard.  He retired in 1987 with the rank of Major for a total of 43 years of service.  At the time of his retirement he was the Commanding Officer of the Ground Communications Squadron, Air National Guard in St. Joseph, MO.

In 1947 upon completion of his active service he attended the University of Missouri and in three years completed nearly all of this requirements for a degree in Agriculture Education.  In 1949 he taught for one year in the Veterans on the Farm training program in Hopkins, MO.

On August 14, 1949 he was united in marriage to Evelyn King.  They made their home in Maryville for a short while before moving to Columbia where Mr. Grace resumed his studies, graduating in 1951 with a BS in Agriculture and a Master of Education degree.  He obtained employment in the Gower School System as Vo-Ag Instructor, and taught there for 5 years.  Mr. Grace then worked for Pay Way Feed Mills of Kansas City.  In 1959 he purchased the Gower Lumber Company which he owned for 30 years.  In 1965 he started the E&M Concrete and Pre-Cast Company, which he owned and operated for 27 years.  In 1966 he built the local car wash, owning it for 27 years.  He was involved in both commercial and residential construction, land development, rental and storage units and was a partner in the Plattsburg Lumber Company for 3 years.

Mr. Grace was a member and Deacon of the First Baptist Church of Gower, serving as Sunday school teacher, trustee, and in other capacities.  He was an honorary member of the Gower Future Farmers of America Chapter, a charter member of the Gower Lions Club, 50 year member of the American Legion Post #393, 50 year member of the Gower Lodge AF&AM #397 where he served as Master, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and member of the Moila Shrine Temple.

He enjoyed many activities, gardening, golf, tennis, wood working and restoring and showing antique and classic cars.  He was an active pilot for over 40 years holding both a commercial and instrument rating.

Mr. Grace was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife Evelyn, of the home; daughter Dru Ann Adam and husband David, Smithville, MO; two grandchildren, Ashley Kohl and husband Chris of Springfield, MO, Justin Adam and wife Jacqueline of Houston, TX; great-grandson Adam J. Kohl, great-granddaughters, Grace Kohl and Berkley Adam; sister, Rosalee Bridges and husband Larry of Broomfield, CO; nephew, Steven Bridges and wife Suzan of Buford, GA. 

The family would like to thank the Gower Convalescent Center for their wonderful care.

Funeral Service:  11:00 a.m. Monday, December 26th at the First Baptist Church of Gower with visitation from 9:00-11:00 a.m. prior to the service.

Burial with Military Honors:  Allen Cemetery, Gower.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church.