Michael D. Grace

CENTERVILLE, IN– Michael D. Grace, age 81, of Centerville, Indiana, left this life on January 28, 2024, at Reid Health in hospice care. Mike was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 14, 1942, to Dale and Eloise Wessel Grace. Mike graduated from Country Day High School in Indian Hill, Ohio and briefly attended Duke University. He was a proud member of the Green Berets Special Forces and served as a Field Combat Medic during the Vietnam War, for which he was awarded several medals including the Silver Star and Purple Heart, and advanced to rank of Sergeant. Mike spent several years out west, mining with fellow veteran and close friend, Thomas Bonn, and drilling wells before returning to Cincinnati to help his dad run the family-owned Wilson Dairy Company. After the dairy closed, he relocated to Richmond and worked as distribution manager at C.S.D.C. until he retired. Mike was an avid reader and was highly skilled at working with both wood and iron. He enjoyed spending time with his family and especially loved the many camping trips he took with his children. He also enjoyed meeting his fellow local veterans weekly for coffee. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 38 years, Sandra; two sons, Bryant (Sarah) and Thomas (Nidia); three daughters, Beatrice, Becky (John), and Elaina Grace (Corey), all of Oregon; grandchildren, Birdie, Jett, Zane, Sam, Abby, Georgia, and Erolyn; sister, Kathleen Grace; nephews, Mathew and Jamie, all of Pennsylvania; cousins, Mike, Pat, Jim, and Joe Leonard of Ohio; along with his two faithful furry companions Pepe and Betsy. He also leaves behind brother-in-law Steve (Wendy) Barker; sisters in law, June Nearing, Penny King, and Millie (George) Holsapple. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Sally Wilson Young. A memorial service will be held at a later date. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Wayne County Veteran’s Memorial Park, P. O. Box 2401, Richmond, IN 47374. Doan & Mills Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Michael D. Grace

August 14, 1942 - January 28, 2024