Joe Edd Grimm

The West community is saddened with the loss of long-time civic leader and friend Joe Edd Grimm, age 88, of West, who passed away early Wednesday morning, December 18, 2019, at Homestead Nursing Home in Hillsboro, TX. A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Thursday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 27, 2019, at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, conducted by the West Veterans Honor Guard. Born Joseph Edward on May 2, 1931 in Tours to Herman and Rosie (Mashek) Grimm, Joe Edd attended St. Martin’s School in Tours and was a 1948 graduate of West High School where he played all sports and was voted Most Popular his senior year. Joe Edd’s future accounting career kicked off after high school when he attended 4-C Business College in Waco, but his education took a detour when he felt the accountability to serve his country. He joined the United States Navy and proudly served during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return to civilian life Joe Edd stayed focused on earning a college degree but he also had to earn his own way to enroll into Baylor University’s School of Business. Perhaps this is when Joe Edd learned he could juggle more than one big project and manage to come out smiling with his huge trademark grin. He successfully balanced working nights at General Tire and Rubber Company in Waco while taking classes at Baylor when he got off work; however, he did take time to embrace the most important person to enter his life, Anne Karlik. On May 25, 1957, Joe Edd and Anne were united in marriage after dating three years. This year May 25, 2019, marked a celebration of 62 years of marriage and although Anne preceded him in death on September 29, 2019, this Christmas will be special as Joe Edd and Anne are reunited to celebrate a total of 65 years rejoicing the birth of Jesus together. By August 1960 Joe Edd, wearing his favorite green and gold, proudly achieved his status as accountant when he received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Baylor University. Together he and Anne, who had attended business school in Dallas, established Grimm Insurance Agency as their family business which remains a vital part of West’s economy. In 1969, The West News featured Joe Edd, Anne, and their four children, saying: Joe Edd is one of West’s “up-and-coming” young men. For a living he sells insurance—auto, fire, life, and hospitalization—but it often seems he spends most of his time working for the betterment of West. Joe Edd was passionate about his business and all things West. He loved going to work and helping his customers with their insurance needs. As a tax accountant, Joe Edd spent time answering questions and offering financial advice oftentimes at no cost. He was awake early every morning and ready to go to the office he loved up until last month. Joe Edd’s strong work ethic and ability for organizing the strengths of the West community continue to this day. Much like a founding father, Joe Edd had the foresight in establishing many of West’s most notable organizations such as founding the St. Mary's Cemetery Association, West Bass Club, and the West Athletic Booster Club. In the 1970s Joe Edd extended his role in the community as Justice of the Peace for McLennan County for seven years. He was also an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4819, the American Legion, West Kiwanis Club, and the West Chamber of Commerce. Always friendly, happy and smiling, Joe Edd talked to everyone and never met a stranger. He loved telling people he’d met from all over the United States about West. He had a great sense of humor, was witty, and coined playful nicknames for the folks in his life. He enjoyed fishing every chance he got, quail hunting, delivering meals on Thanksgiving and was an avid West Trojan sports fan. He especially loved cooking and spending time with his children and grandchildren. From his humble beginnings, he continued to juggle projects, serve the community, and love his family fiercely. Joe Edd was a lifelong and faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, usher, lecturer and assisted the Church of Assumption Diocesan Expansion committee. He was an agent for Catholic Life Insurance, a member of St. Mary’s PTC, and St. Mary’s Quarterback Club. Working with Father George Doskocil, Joe Edd organized the St. Mary’s Cemetery Association. Joe Edd is also preceded in death by his parents; a son, Mike Grimm; an infant daughter, Mary Beth Grimm; an infant grandson, Curtis Michael Grimm; and a sister, Marilyn Hutyra. Survivors include his children, Pat Grimm and wife Valerie, Suzanne Jares and husband Anthony, and Betsy Browder and husband Glenn, all of West; a daughter-in-law, Gina Grimm Calabro and husband Bob; a sister, Martha Altus Beneze and husband Buck; a brother-in-law, Albin Petter; his loving grandchildren, Cassidy Drenka and husband Mark, Jordan Grimm and wife Julia, Hayden Grimm and fiancé Kyley, Nolan Grimm and fiancé Peyton, Garrett Jares, Sarah Jares, Emily Jares, Brooke Browder, Blaine Browder, and Cole Calabro; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Pallbearers are grandsons Jordan Grimm, Hayden Grimm, Nolan Grimm, Garrett Jares, Blaine Browder, and Cole Calabro. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's School Endowment Fund or West Kiwanis Club.