John E. Grein

emblem

FRANKLIN

John E. Grein, 87, passed away Saturday, May 22, 2021. He was a resident of Franklin, and a former resident of Indianapolis.

He was born May 3, 1934 in Indianapolis to Emerson C. and Ruth (Corya) Grein. Survivors include a daughter, Joanna (Brian) Colson of Greenwood; and a son, Dr. Andrew J. Grein of Asheville, NC; grandchildren Zachary Colson, Marissa Colson, and Jasper Grein; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved cat Smokey.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Glenda Grein, and one grandson, Kory Grein.

John was a U.S. Navy veteran, and a member of the Association of Minemen.

He received an Associates Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. He worked for P.R. Mallory, RCA and the Indiana DeMolay Foundation prior to retiring from Goodwill Industries.

John was a very active Mason for the past 66 years. He was a member of Englewood Masonic Lodge #715 F. & A. M., serving as Worshipful Master in 1978. He received the Award of Gold from his Lodge on June 29, 2005.

John was selected to serve on the Indiana Grand Lodge officers’ line and was elected Grand Master of Masons in 1989. Continuing to remain active in the fraternity, he served as Grand Treasurer for 20 years, concluding in 2017 and was very active on various committees. He was a trustee at Compass Park, Indiana Masonic Home in Franklin for many years.

John was a member of the Indianapolis Valley of the Scottish Rite, serving as Most Wise Master from 1986-1988. He was active in many of their degrees, as well as many of the public performances during his involvement. He was a member of the Supreme Council of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction and was conferred his thirty-third degree on August 29, 1989.

He was a member of the Murat Shrine in Indianapolis and was a member of the Johnson County Shrine Club. He enjoyed being a member of the Sahara Grotto, National Sojourners, and the Order of the Amaranth, Daylight Order.

John was an avid photographer and worked for the Indianapolis News as a photographer during the Indianapolis 500 for many years. He also loved model railroading, had quite a collection of rail cars and locomotives and was a member of several model railroading clubs.

Calling hours will take place from 4:00-7:00PM, Wednesday, June 23 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral auditorium, 650 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis. A memorial service will take follow at 7:00PM at the Scottish Rite Cathedral.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Indiana Masonic Home Foundation, 525 N. Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be shared with John’s family at www.stpierrefamilyfuneral.com. Arrangements entrusted to Wilson St.Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Greenwood Chapel.

funeral home logo