Frederick J. Grumme  

August 19, 2006 Indianapolis Star Frederick J. Grumme 90, passed away August 17, 2006 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born January 9, 1916 to Frederick J ulius and Lena H. Grumme in Indianapolis, Indiana.

His parents and his sister, Jean Grumme Budd, preceded him in death.

Fred was very active and proud of his achievements in the Boy Scouts. He became an Eagle Scout and supported the Boy Scouts throughout his life. Fred graduated from Shortridge High School in 1933 and Purdue University in 1937 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

In World War II, Fred went through Naval flight training and served as a pilot in Naval Air Transport Service in the Caribbean and Pacific areas. He remained an active pilot and flight instructor after the war. From the late fifties to the early seventies, many remember, especially children, their first plane ride in his yellow Piper Cub seaplane at Lakes Wawasee, Tippecanoe, and Maxinkuckee.

Fred's entire business career was spent with Aero Mayflower Transit Company which later became Mayflower Corporation. In 1955, he became Executive Vice President and in 1969 until his retirement in 1982, he was Chairman of the Board. Fred was known in the business world for his integrity and honesty. He was very influential in bringing to Indianapolis the LPGA Mayflower Classic for eight years. He was also a d irector of the Indiana Group Insurance Co. and several associated companies.

Fred was very involved in numerous clubs around the Indiana area. He was past president of the Indiana Motor Truck Association, Gyro Club of Indianapolis, Meridian Hills Country Club, Indianapolis Aero Club and past governor of the Indiana Hangar of Quiet Birdmen. Fred also was a member of American Business Club, Columbia Club, and Society of Automotive Engineers. Fred and his loving and devoted wife, Jeanne, wo uld spend the summers in Indianapolis and resided at Mountain Lake, Lake Wales, Florida during the winter months. Fred was an avid golfer and would be on the golf course on sunny and cloudy days. Fred and his wife also loved to travel and played golf around the world. Fred taught his family how to live their lives with dignity, honesty, and to respect others. He will be missed by family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanne B. Grumme; daughter, Jan C. Russell; sons, David White, Jay Grumme (Sandy), Marc White, Ray Grumme (Barb), Tom Grumme (Susie), Don Grumme (Judy); Seventeen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. Friends and family may visit on Tuesday, August 22 from 4 until 7 p.m. in the Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel, 740 E. 86th St., Indpls., IN 46240.

The online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.leppertmortuary.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Boy Scouts of America Crossroads of America Council P.O. Box 1966, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1966 and St. Vincent Hospice 8450 N. Payne Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46268.