Donald James Grams

Donald ""Don"" James Grams was born in Greeley, Colorado in 1925. He passed away peacefully on July 15, 2017. Donald is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shirley; his daughters Pat (Jim) and Sherri (Tom), and son Larry (Liz); numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other family members. He is preceded in death by his first wife, LaVerne, and children Gary, Dan, and Peggy. Don entered the US Navy during WWII, at the age of 17, and served on the USS South Dakota. Upon discharge from the Navy, he returned home to Colorado and Married LaVerne Lundeen in 1949. They had 5 children before her passing in 1955. In 1957, he married Shirley Bowen. She gave birth in December that year to their daughter Sherri. Don worked as a salesman for over 40 years with Happy Home, Butternut Bread, and Little Debbie Snack Cake. During football season, you could find Don at the old Mile High Stadium, in the South stands, cheering on his home team. He loved all sports, especially his Broncos. In retirement, Don loved to fish. As soon as the lakes thawed, you could find him fishing on Eleven Mile Reservoir or the Colorado River. He loved to take his family up with him and teach them how to fish. He even taught his young great-grandson Evan how to cast a line. He and Shirley loved to travel, going on cruises, a trip to Ireland, and most of all, traveling all around the United States in their RV. They would spend several weeks during the winter in Arizona, getting away from the cold winters and spending time with his bother Richard and his wife, along with seeing other close friends. Don was an avid supporter of the Colorado Lottery, especially after hitting a $10,000 scratch ticket! His favorite gift to receive on holidays and birthdays was scratch tickets. He loved to putter in the yard and had a garden that was the envy of the neighborhood. A Visitation will be held on Monday, July 24th from 5-7pm at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 1091 South Colorado Boulevard, Denver. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 25th at 10am at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 2250 South Harrison Street, Denver. Burial will follow the Funeral Mass at 12pm at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver. Memorial contributions in Don's honor may be made to the American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org. Please share memories of Don, and condolences with the family, by signing the guestbook below.