Straley Grant

Grant J. "Jerry" Straley Grant Jerome "Jerry" Straley, 74, of Deshler, Ohio died Friday, January 23, 2009 at his residence. At age 10, his career in law enforcement had already begun...when he upgraded his bicycle with a flashlight taped to the handlebar, for a headlight, a bell for the siren, cardboard inserts in the wheel spokes for effect, and wearing his own version of a police uniform, plastic badge and his toy holster strapped tightly. He patroled the sidewalks of downtown Belmore, Ohio, issuing tickets, and hunted down "bad guys"! That fervor never left him, as he loved listening to the local police chatter, via the scanner until Friday when the call went out, "Officer down!" Get ready dear Lord - Here he comes ready to patrol a new neighborhood, we call "Heaven"! He was born April 19, 1934 in Emporia, Kansas to the late Harold and Thelma (Weirich) Straley. On February 29, 1980 he married Becky Breece and she survives. Grant was a graduate of Deshler High School and received a Associates Degree in Accounting from Defiance College. He also completed State of Ohio Peace Officers Training. Grant was the former chief of Police for the villages of Deshler and Leipsic. He was also a former chief deputy with the Putnam County Sheriff's Department. Along with his wife, Becky they were former owners of All-American Limousine and The Warehouse Antique Mall, Grand Rapids, Ohio; and Straley's General Store/Bridal Shop, Holgate, Ohio. He also enjoyed working as a ringman for numerous auction companies in northwest Ohio and an avid auction attendee. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and member of Sycamore Lodge #520 F & A.M., Deshler; member of the Elks Lodge, Lima, Ohio; the Ohio Peace Officers Association and the State of Ohio Chiefs of Police Association. Grant is also survived by two sons, Jim (Amy) Straley, Ottawa, Ohio; Mark Straley, Leipsic; 7 grandchildren; brother, Dan (Joyce) Straley, Deshler and sister, Mayver (Robert "Wimp") Hogrefe, Deshler. He was preceded in death by a son, Harold Straley and sister, Patricia Kneller. His memorial service, a celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler with Fr. Joseph Vamos officiating and Pastor Eddie Clark officiating. A luncheon and fellowship will follow at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Hall, Deshler. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the services at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials be given to American Diabetes Association or to the family memorial. Online condolences can be made at www.rodenbergerfuneralhome.com.

Tributes

Straley Grant

January 23, 2009