Thomas "Tom" Grinslade

Thomas Uhl Grinslade (Tom), 94, passed away on March 23, 2025. He was born on September 29, 1930, in Indianapolis, IN to Thomas E. and Cora Uhl Grinslade. His sister Corinne Koerner preceded him in death.

Tom is survived by his wife of 65 years, Eleanor, son Thomas John (Marcy) and daughter Elizabeth Lawrence; his grandchildren Christopher, Alexander, Rachel Elder (Walker), Erica and Carson Lawrence; great grandchildren Eleanor Kay Elder and Bennett Tancini.

Growing up, Tom was active in Boy Scouts and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Park School and Rose Poly (now Rose Hulman) as a civil engineer. Tom was a member of Theta Xi fraternity and Blue Key honorary fraternity.

After serving in the U.S. Army in Korea, he entered the home building industry with his father. Later, he formed his own company Grinslade Homes and in 45 years-built hundreds of homes in Indianapolis and Geist neighborhoods. He was a former president of Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis (BAGI) and established the first Home-A-Rama in the city.

Tom served on many boards including Community Hospital Foundation and the Marion County Property Tax Abatement Review Board. He was a Life Master at bridge, a founding member of the Indianapolis Bridge Center and served as their first president. He also was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Indianapolis where he was recognized for 50 years of membership.

Tom’s interest in American history, particularly the Revolutionary War, led him to research and collect guns, powder horns and artifacts from the period. He authored two books, Flintlock Fowlers The First Guns Made in America and Powder Horns Documents of History, along with numerous articles. Appreciated for their artistic and historical value, part of his powder horn collection is now in the National Museum of the United States Army and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Not one to be idle, Tom had a wide range of interests through his many years including hunting, bowling, ocean sailing, scuba diving, golfing, traveling, reading and fishing in oceans, lakes and streams around the world. A favorite fishing hole was nearby Sugar Creek. A bass he caught there was an Indiana state record "Fish of the Year."

A visitation for Tom will be held Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery - Gothic Chapel, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46208, followed by a service at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hillsdale College, 33 E. College St., Hillsdale, MI 49242 and Wounded Warrior Project.