David R. Grubb

David R. Grubb, age 71, of Bloomington, died from injuries suffered at his home on Sunday evening. Born December 17, 1939 in Bloomington, he was the son of Norval David and Opal Ida (White) Grubb. He was a fireman for the City of Bloomington for over 12 years and owned and operated David Grubb Tree Transfer and Landscaping for over 35 years. He was active in the Monroe County 4-H Horse and Pony with his son, Rob. He was a long-time member of the West Second St. Church of Christ and had attended the West 11th St. Pentecostal Faith Assembly.

He is survived by his son, Robert “Rob” David Grubb, of Bloomington, his former wife, Frencee (Jones) Grubb, of Bloomington; four brothers and their wives, Henry and Connie Grubb and Lloyd “Buck” and Cindy Grubb, all of Stanford, Mark and Tammy Grubb, of Poland, Indiana and Michael Grubb, of Bloomington; two sisters and their husbands, Diana and David Lake, of Bloomington and Nina and Larry Newton, of Spencer, Indiana; former sisters-in laws and their husbands, Fonya (Dan) Romisher, of Ellettsville and Carol Staten, of Stanford along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and great-grandparents.

A commenter to the Herald-Times wrote about David the following:

A little history on David Grubb for many who don't know the real David.

David Grubb served the Bloomington / Monroe county community for many years in a lot of ways. He was a professional "Fireman / Firefighter" for the Bloomington Fire Department. He was well educated in the art of fire fighting and was well liked by his fellow firemen. Later, David began having personal issues (as we all do) and it became hard for him to cope at times.

His fellow firefighter's wanted him to seek a "medical-release" from the department, that way David could use the retirement pension that he'd worked for serving our community, plus reduce some of the stress in his life, and finally seek the mental help from professional doctors. Well, the department brass wouldn't grant him a "medical" and some pushed David until David snapped and said he was finished, and he walked away. Problem was, by him quitting, the city didn't have to pay him anything, they were able to keep his pension. David Grubb walked with nothing from the very community that he'd sacrificed for.

David tried to make a living by helping work the "land" he loved the beauty of Mother Nature, especially the trees, water ways, and finally our lakes where we got our "drinking water" from. He couldn't understand the many rules & regulations at times that hurt the land and harmed new family's just starting out. He became a spokes-person on their behalfs! David never really was able to get all the medical attention he really needed to deal with his mental problems. David was always trying to do the best that he thought was right in his mind.

This was a man who ran into burning buildings....

Planted trees and landscaped all over the area....

He did many jobs for charity's for little cost....

He did jobs that he wouldn't receive payment for for months, years.....

He loved children, and many times handed candy to children especially candy canes at Christmas time....

Yes, he was a pain to many officals here in the community, and he did ride his ol' horse all over town. He was a character for sure, but at times he fought against inner forces at the same time he fought city / county hall. In the end, David was a lonely man, but I find it ironic that a man who once ran into burning buildings to look for people, lost his life in a fire at his own home!

God be with you David Grubb!!

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday at Day Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Mike Davis officiating. Burial will follow in Valhalla Memory Gardens. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be given to the charity of one’s choice.