Clarence Grelle, age 95, a much loved husband, father, and friend to many, passed away December 1, 2025 in Greenwood. Clarence was the only child of Charles W. and Mabel (Rebber) Grelle. He was born January 8, 1930, in Jackson County, Indiana and was a 1948 graduate of Shields High School, Seymour. He was an Army veteran serving at the 97th General Hospital in Frankfurt, Germany. On September 9, 1951, he married Emilyann Heckman at the Trinity Methodist Church in Seymour.
In 1953, they moved to Indianapolis where he attended John Herron Art School for one semester and then transferred to Lain Technical Institute where he received an Associate degree in Tool and Die Design. Clarence worked for 38 years at Grinding and Polishing Machinery Corporation, beginning as a draftsman, serving for many years as Sales Manager, and retiring as President of the Company.
When his sons were young, he served as Cubmaster of their Cub Scout pack, and he took them on frequent visits to the public library and encouraged them in their various athletic, musical, and academic activities. During several summers, he would hitch the travel trailer to the back of the car, and he, and Emilyann would take the family on cross-country trips as well as visits to local sites and campgrounds.
Clarence was an active church member who served as a Deacon in Orchard Park Presbyterian Church and an Elder in Eastminster and Greenwood Presbyterian Churches. He led an adult Sunday class in the Greenwood church for 18 years. He was an active member in Toastmaster's International for many years, and he and Emilyann were long-time members of the Mid-Hoosier A's Ford Model A Club
During retirement he enjoyed working on the ancestry of his and Emilyann's families, accumulating a library of records, books, and publications pertaining to forties and fifties pop, rockabilly, and country music and selling some of it on eBay. He conducted research and interviews on the history of country music in Indiana and the Midwest and published articles in such magazines as Old Time Country and Blue Suede News.
He is survived by his wife and sons Bruce (Debbie) Grelle, Curtis (Lori) Grelle, Kevin (Sheri) Grelle, Wayne (Michelle) Grelle, 13 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am, Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at Greenwood Presbyterian Church with Pastor Peter Zinn officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church. He will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.
The family will also receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 pm, Monday, December 8, 2025 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Greenwood.