Dr. Thomas Paul Grimes, 88, of Muncie, IN passed away on May 2, 2024. He was born Oct. 30, 1935, in Detroit, MI and moved to Texas in 1947. He was a resident of Muncie, IN for 54 years. Tom graduated from Carrollton High School in Carrollton, TX in 1954. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, OH and his Master’s Degree at The University of Georgia, and finished his doctorate at the University of Kentucky. He was an Associate Professor teaching Geography and Meteorology in the Dept. of Geography at Ball State University from 1972 to 1999. Tom was the Department Chairman from 1994 to 1997 as well as the faculty advisor for the Ball State Weather Station for many years. Tom was an avid and respected sailor and a 50-year member of the Muncie Sailing Club at Prairie Creek Reservoir. He was a lifelong reader of science fiction, scientific exploration, boating, and travel books and magazines. He had additional interests in photography, soaring and aviation, mechanical repair and tools, woodworking, classical music, and interesting cars and wooden sailboats. After retirement, Tom and his wife of 47 years Mary spent their Summers at their summer home in Sutton’s Bay, MI sailing on Sutton’s Bay, Grand Traverse Bay, and Lake Michigan, welcoming visitors and sailing buddies, and hosting sailing gatherings. Tom was preceded in death by his wife Mary (Valandingham) Grimes, his father O. E. “Pat” Grimes and mother Mary (Woodworth) Grimes, sisters Patrica Grimes and Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” Gustwick, brother Paul B. Grimes. He is survived by his daughters Dr. Linda K. Grimes of Irvine, KY and Patricia L. Welch of Fairport, NY, son Lee W. Grimes (Loretta) of Burlington, KY, niece Susan Elizabeth Gustwick of Denton, TX, nephew Robert Gustwick of San Antonio, TX, and grandson Spencer Grimes of New Braunfels, TX. Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Mt. Pleasant Chapel, 7901 W. Isanogel Rd. Family and friends may call from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30p.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Mt. Pleasant Chapel, 7901 W. Isanogel Rd. The public may view the service live at 1:30 p.m. at www.facebook.com/meeksmortuary. Tom will be buried with Mary in Dallas, TX. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Thomas P. and Mary Grimes Fund for Meteorology and Climatology Awards scholarships at Ball State University. Please visit www.bsu.edu/give , select Other, then type Fund ID 3403 or the fund name. The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory are in charge of all arrangements and online condolences may be left for the family at www.meeksmortuary.com

Restland Memorial Park, Dallas, Dallas County,Texas