Dale Thomas Grinstead Obituary (1938

Dale Thomas Grinstead, age 79, of Canton, Ohio, stepped into eternity on August 24, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. Dale and his wife, Eleanor, were married 58 years. They always went everywhere together. Dale loved his wife’s cooking, especially her pies. He would have eaten fast food for every meal if Eleanor had not been there to provide a nutritious home-cooked dinner! Even though their personalities were very different, they both shared the same passions for Christ, their family and serving others. They were united in the things that were most important in this life. Dale’s favorite verse was John 15:17 which says, “This I command you, that you love one another.” Dale loved his family and found great joy in spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. One of his favorite pastimes was building model airplanes. His grandkids liked to play with his models and train sets. When his own kids were young, he took them camping and boating. The family enjoyed many trips to state parks and various lakes to go boating and waterskiing. He had great wit and a delightful sense of humor, and loved to watch the late shows and episodes of Seinfeld. Dale was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. He attended HighMill Church, where he studied and taught the Bible and served as an elder. Many people have said he provided wise counsel as a church leader. He also served in various ministries such as visiting people in nursing homes and prisons. When he was asked once, “What’s one or two things in life you’re glad you did?” He said the first thing was that he asked Eleanor to marry him. The second was to be part of a weekly men’s Bible Study. He met with several men weekly for more than 30 years. Dale and his wife have close friendships and relationships that have lasted more than 70 years - with his relatives, former co-workers, neighbors and church friends...he loved you all! Dale worked at The Timken Company for 41 years as a mechanical engineer, where he received several patents. One patent was for a brake warning system on railroad cars. He loved to tinker in his garage and basement workbench—probably fixing some sort of household appliance or piece of furniture that had been “poorly designed.” He made beautiful wood furniture pieces and jewelry boxes for his family. In the 1960’s he built a black and white TV using a Heath Kit. The kids thought that was really cool, until color TVs came out just a short time later. The family used his black and white until it wore out. Dale is survived by his loving wife, Eleanor, and their five children: Daniel (Kim) Grinstead, Diane Tenaglia (Nancy Partos), Donna (Larry) Spengler, Richard (Johnna) Grinstead, and Reyne (Dan) Kaiser. He had 9 grandchildren: Brittany (Bryan) Acuff, Breanne (Craig) Fawver, Shannon Coleman, Natalie Coleman, Ricky Grinstead, Adam (Nancy) Grinstead, Morgan Grinstead, Riley Kaiser and Nicole Kaiser. He also had 3 great grandchildren: Camden & Elliana Acuff and Grayson Fawver. Born in Canton to the late Richard and Catherine (Jarrett) Grinstead, he is preceded in death by his sister, Frances (Wagner). Dale is survived by his brothers David (Carole) and Darrel (Diane) Grinstead. Calling hours will be held at HighMill Church, 1920 Schneider St NE, Canton, OH, 44721 on Monday, August 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. A celebration of Dale’s life will be held at HighMill on Tuesday, August 29, at 12:30 p.m., followed by interment at North Lawn Cemetery, 4927 Cleveland Avenue, 44709. He will be greatly missed. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to HighMill Church, 1920 Schneider St NE, Canton, OH 44721, Attn: Pastor Noah Schumacher.