Biography: Kenneth O. Grasley, 90 of Bucyrus passed away at 10:00 pm on Friday April 19, 2013 in Heartland of Bucyrus. Kenneth was born July 2, 1922 in Bucyrus to the late Otto and Gladys (Hoker) Grasley. He was married Dec. 3, 1949 to Emma L. (Stoneburner) who preceded him in death on June 23, 1998. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by brothers Russell, Dale, Harold, and John Grasley, as well as sisters Coral Campbell, Lucille Graham, Mary Stuckert, and Helen Leiby.
Kenneth is survived by step sons James Lee Durieux of Falmouth, KY and Leonard (Olga) Durieux of Marion, IN; grandchildren Lynn (Mike) Rice, Goshen, IN; Tina (Gary) Cass, Galion; Michelle Holton and Damon of Indiana; Jim Durieux of Gahanna, OH; Rick Durieux of Columbus; and Preston (Shelby) Durieux of Falmouth, KY; 14 great grandchildren; 23 great great grandchildren; brother Frank Grasley of Galion; sisters Marge (James) Kurtzman, Cape Coral, FL; Naomi Van Buskirk, Upper Sandusky; and Esther Holtshouse of Galion.
Kenneth retired in 1984 as a carpenter, being affiliated with the Southwest OH District Council Carpenters Union Local 734 of Mansfield. He graduated from Bucyrus High School in 1940 and was a U.S. Army Veteran from 1940-1945. Kenneth was as a Staff Sgt. in the South Pacific, Company M 34th Infantry, 24th Division, serving in Quam, Australia, and New Zealand. During his time of service, Kenny was a Golden Glove Boxer. He was formerly a member of the Crestline Eagles Club Aeire 859 and the Crestline VFW Post #2920.
Kenny’s passion was his horses, years traveling with wife Emma, granddaughter Tina and horse rider and special friend Shelly Robinson. Showing horses in Western Pleasure, English Pleasure, Trail and Barrels. Many Blue Ribbons and Trophys were collected over the years. Kenny was most proud of horse, “Po Candy Cody (Babe)” Ohio State Grand Champion Mare and Reserve Champion Mare. Kenny also enjoyed golfing with wife Emma and morning cup of tea, reading his Bible and bird watching.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday April 27, 2013 at 11:00 am in the Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home with Rev. Bernie France officiating, burial will be in Oceola Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to the Crawford Co. Humane Society or Am. Red Cross and expressions of sympathy can be left at munzpirnstill.com