Floyd L. "Red" Grow

Floyd L. “Red” Grow, 93, lifelong resident of Bloomington died on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at Garden Villa. He was born in Monroe County on February 17, 1918 the son of Walter and Edna (Sullivan) Grow and attended Bloomington High School. After serving with the U.S. Army during World War II he became an employee of Indiana University working in the athletic department. He retired after 47years of service as the Equipment Manager for I.U. Athletics. During his many years of service to the university, Red had the distinct pleasure of meeting and becoming friends with some of the world’s greatest athletes. He and his family served countless hours making sure the equipment and needs of various sports was met and as a result became true and hard fast friends to many. In the earlier years it was not uncommon for his wife, daughters and even sons-in-law to help wash, dry and prepare the uniforms at their home for the next game or practice. Just a couple of the many highlights of his career included the 1968 Rose Bowl and the undefeated season of the I.U. Men’s Basketball Championship season in 1976 as an example. Floyd was inducted into the Indiana University Hall of Fame, an honorary member of the “I” Men’s Association and the I.U. Varsity Club. He served his community as a member and Past Master of Monroe Lodge #22, F. & A.M., Bloomington York Rite Bodies, Murat Shrine and Stonebelt Shrine Club. He particularly like to fish, play golf and was a former state champion at playing horseshoes. Survivors include two daughters; Darlene (James) Arthur and Judy Bastin, both of Bloomington, seven grandchildren; Beth (Lyle) LaPort, Jeff Bastin, Becky Bastin, Jay (Donelle) Bastin, Lisa (Rick) Murphy, Randy Arthur, Eric Arthur and Amy (Joe) Wright, thirteen great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren. Also surviving is his longtime friend and caregiver, Betty Ryan and her family, of Bloomington, two half-sisters, Grace Browning of Bedford and Helen Hillenburg of Bloomington and one half-brother, Jerry Grow of Bloomington. He was preceded in death by his wife, Giula (Slater) Grow, one sister, Edna Grow and three brothers, Orville Grow, Les Grow and Carl Paul Grow. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at Allen Funeral Home, 4155 S. Old St. Rd. 37 with Rev. Ray New and William Tabor officiating. Burial will be at Valhalla Memory Gardens where the Veterans Honor Guard will conduct Military Graveside rites. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2:00-8:00 p.m. Masonic memorial services will be conducted at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday Memorial contributions may be made to the I.U. Varsity Club or charity of choice in care of Allen Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenfuneralhome.org.

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Floyd L. "Red" Grow

February 17, 1918 - March 5, 2011