William R. Grunden, 79, of St. Marys, died 11:58 P.M. Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima.

He was born August 19, 1943, in Mercer County, Ohio, the son of Forrest and Ailene (Grundish) Grunden. He married Melody Gibson on September 27, 1969; she survives in St. Marys.

He is also survived by his daughter: Molli Frey of Wapakoneta; by his four grandchildren: Wyatt Frey; Carter Frey; Levi Frey and Maddilyn Frey. He is survived by his siblings: Thomas (Georgia) Grunden of St. Marys; Dick (Jean) Grunden of Wichita, Kansas; Patricia Grunden of Fayetteville, Georgia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest Grunden and Ailene Grunden Snedeker; by a granddaughter, Michelle Frey.

Bill was a 1962 graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School and a 1976 graduate of OSU Lima. He served in the US Marine Corps from 1962-66, and also 6 years of reserve duty. He earned an associate's degree in criminal justice and served with the City of St. Marys Police Department from 1966 to 1990, retiring as a sergeant. He then worked as a special investigator for Wilson Law in St. Marys for 15 years.

Bill was a professional photographer and shot wedding photos for 30 years. He also enjoyed studying and photographing the cosmos. He was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in St. Marys; American Legion Post 323; the NRA; West Ohio Fish and Game; the Planetary Society and the Fraternal Order of Police. He had been a 4-H pistol instructor, taught at Auglaize County Shooting Sports and was a CCW instructor. Although he was never an athlete, he absolutely loved attending his grandchildren's games. He was especially proud of his grandson, Wyatt, and his service in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Funeral rites will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at the Miller-Long and Folk Funeral Home, 314 West High Street, St. Marys, Pastor Mark Foor, officiant. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery.

Friends may call from 4-8 P.M. Monday at the funeral home, where memorial gifts may be given to the American Heart Association or St. Rita's Heart Center Foundation.

Condolences may be sent to Bill's family via Millerfuneralhomes.net.