Ernest Grow

Memorial services for long-time Gillette resident Ernest Paul Grow will be celebrated Friday, July 5, 2013 at 3:00 p.m., in the New Life Wesleyan Church. Officiating at the celebration of Ernie's life will be Pastor Issac Smith of the Dakota District Wesleyan Church and Pastor Dan Menefee of Crossroads Wesleyan Church. Ernest Paul Grow, age 68, returned to God peacefully, surrounded by his family and friends, on July 1, 2013 at the Close to Home Hospice after a long, spirited battle with cancer. Ernie left a life legacy of love for his fellow man, strong morals, and a powerful living example for his descendents to emulate.Ernest Paul Grow, affectionately called "Ernie", was born April 29, 1945 in Jackson, Michigan, the beloved son of Cecil and Thelma (Perry) Grow. Knowing the importance of education, Ernie graduated from high school in 1962 followed by graduation from Detroit Technical School with a degree in diesel mechanics. Acting on his patriotism, Ernie enlisted in the United States Air Force serving in several capacities to bring success to the US efforts supported by his loyalty. Later Ernie demonstrated his life-long versatility by working as a mason in Florida and then a parts technician at a parts factory back at home in Detroit, Michigan. During this time he married Linda Bell and they had five children. Linda passed away in 1985.After working around the country, Ernie settled for good in Gillette in 1984. Again he showed his versatile talents by beginning in the oil fields and later brought his considerable skills and experience to the Wyoming Department of Transportation. This became his true calling as he worked and supervised in various tasks during a 20 year career. He retired November 1, 2012.Most importantly, Ernie met and then married Carolyn Eby-Morsett on March 5, 1987. Accepting a ready made family and integrating it with his family by a former marriage, Ernie headed a closely knit, loving, community-oriented family for 26 years. Ernie and Carolyn's love blended a strong family of seven children, 21 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Ernie's love for family and friends manifested itself in camping, fishing, baseball, and get togethers. Ernie mastered the art of fine story telling and actually funny jokes as he shared himself as often as possible. In the time left from his prodigious loving of people, Ernie loved to garden and hold his wife's hand.Ernie loved baseball. As another way of sharing himself, he coached the "kids" who loved him as much as he loved them. Ernie knew his baseball beyond just a love as he played for a time with a Philadelphia Phillies farm team.Ernie expressed his love of his community and its people in many ways, chief of which were his membership in the American Legion as a proud veteran and the New Life Wesleyan Church of Gillette as a true believer and example of God's grace and love. His extensive knowledge and skillful presentation of his faith and the Bible garnered him many fans. Before his strength sapping illness he had considered a radio or an internet faith program to answer questions of faith.Although a man of complex talents and experiences, Ernie simply typified his savior as a loving father and friend, a family and community spirit, and a happy, fun-loving, man's man who wanted his example to be greater than his words. A joke, a laugh, and especially a well crafted story delivered with his trade mark smile will linger for all his admirers, friends, and family to remember as the countenance of his example leads the way into the future.Ernie is survived by his bride of 26 years, Carolyn Grow. His seven children and spouses survive him: Robert Grow of Gillette, WY; Roger Grow of Sheridan, WY; Clint (Laurel) Morsett of Gillette, WY; Neil (Yvette) Morsett of Gillette, WY; Cheryl (Rick) Novotny of Fleming, CO; Meldene (Bruce) Goehring of Gillette, WY; Sandi (Shane) Kinnear of Gillette, WY. Six brothers and spouses survive Ernie: Dave (Jan) Grow, Ron Grow, Jerry Grow, Dick (Marie) Grow, Fred (Linda) Grow, Dale (Linda) Grow. In addition 21 granndchildren: Annessa, Brian, Curt, Jakki, Dawn, Will, Carrie, Alynna, Matt, Greg, Caitlin, Bobby, Kyle, Timothy, Roger, Tyler, Brianna, Travis, Stephanie, Michael, Ja'el; and 12 great-grandchildren: Abigale, Maddox, Aiden, Xavier, Ashland, Tashanda, Hayley, Adriana, Dalton, Blane, Aden, and Axton remember their beloved Grandpa.He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Thelma Grow; his first wife, Linda Bell Grow; brothers, Charles and Bruce; and infant sons, Dale and Randal.A Memorial has been established to benefit the oncology center and hospice. Memorials and condolences may be sent in Ernie's name in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. 5th Street, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or condolences via the internet at www.gillettememorialchapel.com. Funeral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716