Philip Clayton Grounds, age 88 of Vincennes, IN, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Good Samaritan Hospital.
Philip Clayton Grounds, age 88 of Vincennes, IN, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Good Samaritan Hospital. He was born August 8, 1936, in Denison Township to George Carl Grounds and his wife Mary Evelyn (Ramsey) Grounds.
On October 30, 1960, Phil married the love of his life, Linda Jo O’Haver, at the Oaktown Christian Church. For 63 years, they enjoyed living life together and raising their daughter, Kelly. Linda preceded him in death on January 23, 2024.
As a young man, Phil graduated from St. Francisville High School then began furthering his education. He earned an Associates Degree from Vincennes University and a Bachelors Degree from the University of Evansville in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. He held the position of Director of Engineering and Environmental Safety at Vincennes University, was the City Engineer of Vincennes for a period of time, and was commissioned by the EPA throughout his professional career as well.
Phil had served as a member of the Illinois National Guard and reached the rank of Sargeant, took great pride in being a Mason and served as the Worshipful Master, and was a member of the Community United Methodist Church of Vincennes.
Surviving family includes: one daughter- Kelly Grounds and husband Doug Bishop of Orange City, FL; two grandchildren- Tristan Grounds-Bishop and Miranda Grounds-Bishop both of Orange City, FL; two sisters- Virginia Clark and husband John and Helen Gray and husband Shane all of St. Francisville, IL; one brother- David Grounds and wife Sarah of Alton, IL; and one sister-in-law- Janet Ernst of McCutchanville, IN; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: his parents- George Carl Grounds and Mary Evelyn Grounds; his wife- Linda Jo Grounds; two brothers-in-law- David Ernst and Don O’Haver and wife Maggie; and one sister-in-law- Patricia Westfall and husband Sam.
A time of visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. (CST) until 2:00 p.m. (CST) on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the St. Francisville United Methodist Church. Funeral services follow his Mason Rites that are to be given at 2:00 p.m. Burial will take place in Oaklawn Cemetery of St. Francisville, IL.
Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.cunninghamfuneralhomes.com.
