Walter R. “Walt” Grimes, 85, of Ina passed away Thursday, January 28, 2021 at his home.

He was born on October 5, 1935 in Wayne County, Illinois the son of John & Mildred (Wood) Grimes. He was married to Connie (Williams) Grimes and she survives.

Walt was retired from Continental Tire the Americas. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1956. He was involved with the inception of the Ina Fall Festival, was editor and publisher of These Trying Times, organized the Ina Friday Night Jam, was a long-time Ina Village Board Member and a member of the Ina Missionary Baptist Church.

In addition to his wife Walt is survived by his son Walter ‘David” Grimes & wife Betty Jo of Lawrenceville, daughter Bobbie Lewis of Albion, step-daughter Vonda Jordan & husband Rick of Opdyke, brother Carroll Grimes and wife Betty of Mt. Carmel, brother-in-law Rick Cravens of Fairfield, sister-in-law Norma Grimes of Grayville, grandchildren Misty Baker, Krista Walker, Dalton Kemp, Bryton Kemp & wife Ashley and Lucas Bissey; three great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Daughter-JoDonna Reeder, Step-son Tracy Pierce, Brothers-Charles F. “Joe” Grimes, William E. “Book Daddy” Grimes, Edwin E. “Ed” Grimes, infant James Grimes, Sisters- Doris Jean Gregory-Minnick, Gerry Lynn Cravens, Wanda Baker, infant Blanche Grimes and a great-granddaughter.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, January 31st at the Johnston Funeral Home in Ina with Rev. Dale Burzynski officiating. Burial with Military Rites conducted by American Legion Post #141 will be in the Kirk Cemetery in Ina. Visitation will be from 12:00 P.M. Noon until 2:00 P.M. on Sunday at the funeral home.

For those who wish Memorials may be made to the Shrines Hospital for Crippled Children.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.johnstonfuneralhome.com