Walter Thomas Grunden Jr.

He was born in Van Wert County, Ohio on August 29, 1938, to Elsie (Butler) and Walter T. Grunden, Sr., both now deceased. He graduated from Van Wert Highschool, class of 1956, and soon after that he joined the United States Army, serving there for over eight years. During that time, he married Carol (Michalec) Grunden in November 1960, and they would have celebrated 62 years of marriage this November.

After becoming a civilian again, he found his future in computers and became a computer programmer/analyst. He worked for Joslyn Steel, Magnavox and Essex during his years residing in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

In 1982 he was presented with the opportunity to work for American National Insurance Company in Galveston, Texas, and he enjoyed working there until his retirement in April 2005.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Michael, sisters Bertha, Charlene, Dotty, Rose Arlene, and brother Joe. He is survived by wife Carol, daughters Mary Douglass (Patrick), Susan Theriault (Brett), son John Grunden (Dawn), sister Juanita Muntzinger, brothers-in-law William Michalec (Deborah) and Joseph Michalec; 9 grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, 1 great, great grandchild; also, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

During his retirement years he and Carol enjoyed cruising with friends---among favorite destinations were Alaska, Panama Canal and Mexico, until his health began to fail. In his last few years he spent his time reading many books, watching favorite TV programs, working on his computer, and especially Wednesday mornings when he joined his retiree friends for coffee and “gossip.”

He greatly appreciated the times his grandchildren came to visit and delighted in watching them grow up. He was so proud of all of them. Our sincere thanks to the many physicians at UTMB who cared for him during his illnesses.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 25th, 2022, at Noon in the chapel at Forest Park East Funeral Home and Cemetery, 21620 Gulf Fwy., Webster, Texas. There will be a Reception in an adjoining room to follow service. Inurnment at gravesite for family afterward.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkEast-FHC.com for the Grunden family.