Gordian George Grus

OBITUARY Gordian George Grus of St. Clair, MO departed this life at his home, surrounded by the love of his family, on Thursday, October 12, 2023, having reached the age of ninety-one years, three months and twenty-two days. Gordian was born in Robertsville, MO on June 20, 1932, son of Leo John Grus and Amelia Barbara Grus nee Brune. On May 30, 1958, he was united in marriage to Barbara Ann Overschmidt and five children came to bless this union. Gordian is survived by his children, Ronald Grus and significant other, Marcia Sterling, of St. Clair, MO, Nancy Baylard and husband, David, of New Haven, MO, Debra Hoffman and husband, Mark, of St. Clair, MO, Mary Bursey and husband, Michael, of St. Clair, MO and Ricky Grus and wife, Trish, of St. Clair, MO; by his grandchildren, Laura DeClue and husband, Willie, Lindsay Monk and husband, Erich, Alex Baylard and significant other, Bryce, Justin Baylard and significant other, Alexis, Michael Baylard, Alicia Baylard, Cassandra Hoffarth and husband, Blake, Zachary Hoffman and wife, Katie, Karissa Gordon and husband, Matt, Bradley Hoffman and significant other, Kayla, Timothy Hoffman and significant other, Gracie, Jason Grus and Lynnae Grus and significant other, Josh; by his great-grandchildren, Addy, Kallie, Everlee, Leo, Colter, Lilah, Everett and Callah; by brother- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends. Gordian was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Amelia Grus; by his wife, Barbara Grus; by his brother, Leewald Grus; and by his infant sister, Naomi Grus. Gordian was a Christian of the Catholic faith and long-time member of St. Clare Catholic Church in St. Clair, MO. He was proud to have served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, entering on April 7, 1953 and receiving his honorable discharge on March 19, 1955. During his working career, he was employed as an electric plater for Standard Machine & Manufacturing Company in Crestwood, MO for 42 years. He was a proud member of Machinist Union Local 1345. When Gordian was 18 months old, the family moved to their farm in Stanton, Missouri. Gordian worked tirelessly on his family farm his whole life, plowing the fields with a team of work horses and mules in the early days and still on the Farmall H tractor (that his dad bought new in 1949) raking hay at age 91. He raised cattle and hogs, baled hay and crop farmed soybeans and corn. Many have seen Gordian in the fields over the years as they drove through the farm to his clubhouses and camper lots on the farm’s Meramec River frontage. It was on the farm that he and his brother also learned to square dance as young men. His father organized weekly square dances at the St. Clare Catholic School where, Gordian said, many weddings resulted from those square dances. He also enjoyed performing with his square dance team at the Washington Fair and other venues. He still loved to play his harmonica for family and friends and anyone else who cared to listen. What meant most to him was time spent with family. The love they shared and many precious memories they created will forever be cherished by them all. A kind and loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, great-uncle, cousin and treasured friend, he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him. Visitation will be at the Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair on Sunday, October 22, beginning with the Rosary at 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 23, 2023 at the St. Clare Catholic Church in St. Clair, MO with Father Pete Blake officiating. Interment will be in St. Clare Catholic Cemetery in St. Clair, MO. Memorials may be made to the St. Clare Catholic Cemetery. The family was served by Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO.

Gordian George Grus

June 20, 1932 - October 12, 2023