John Grubb

John Michael Grubb was born January 14, 1948 to Willard “Pete” and Thelma Grubb. He had a brother, Gary who passed away as an infant. After graduating high school, John enlisted with the United States Air Force and specialized in Morse Code, and after the Secret Service vetted him and half of Bellevue, he was stationed in Japan to work Morse Code Interception, during the Vietnam War.

When he was honorably discharged from the service, John began a 40 year career at Norfolk Southern Railroad. As he worked a Bellevue to Columbus route, he stayed in  Columbus frequently, where he met the love of his life, Marilyn, who was friends of the railroad dorm managers. On May 28, 1977 they were married in Groveport, Ohio. In July 1980, they welcomed their daughter, Molly, and in September 1984, they welcomed their son Dustin. John was a devoted father, always attending the kids’ extracurricular activities and making special memories, such as “dates” with Molly, going to the Eagles for “Roast Beef and Weasels” for lunch - don’t worry, a “weasel” drink is just Pepsi, or taking Dustin to the Eagles to play pool or video games, playing catch, or other activities. He took such pride in his kids, and was always there to support them, and always lending a helping hand. John was always there for the kids when he wasn't working on the railroad. That’s who John was, always a loyal friend, willing to help out or play a practical joke on someone. He had a dry and sarcastic humor that didn’t always land as funny, but once you understood him and bantered back, it wasn’t so bad. 

John’s heart grew two more times, in 2004, with the arrival of his buddy, his grandson Darin. Darin was the apple of his eye, and John was always there for him. Darin’s biggest fan was his grandpa. They had many wonderful years as a duo, until 2012, when granddaughter Corrinne arrived and stole Grandpa’s heart. He had more than enough love for them both, but you know how it goes - the new baby gets attention! Luckily, they made a great trio and had fun adventures with fishing a few times, playing, and just being silly for several years together. John was so proud of them both, and up until the end, he would talk about their accomplishments, and always was in awe of Corrinne and all she was doing and learning, how smart and talented she was, and how Darin was always there for his younger cousin, and he remembered all of Darin’'s accomplishments.  John also loved Molly’s husband, Destry, very much and was so glad that Destry could care for “his girl” when Destry and Molly got married in 2011.  John’s family was and is the most important part of his life. But, more than family, John was known for his baking skills with his mom's crumb cake recipe and all of the delicious cookies he would always bake and take to everyone. No one has yet to duplicate his crumbs cake.  He will forever be a legendary baker in his grandkids eyes. 

John was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother, many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his amazing and deeply loved wife of 48 years, Marilyn, and their two children, Molly and her husband Destry and daughter Corrinne, and Dustin and his son Darin, and Marilyn’s brothers Ed and Jim Gilkey.

Friends will be received on Monday, September 22 from 4-7 pm at Foos & Foos Funeral Service, 151 Yorkshire Place, Bellevue where a funeral service with military honors will begin on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

The family wishes to express a big heartfelt thank you to the entire staff at the Bellevue Care Center for all of their loving care for John during his time there.