Benjamin Grimes

Benjamin D. Grimes, 24 of Groton, CT, formerly of Mancelona, MI passed away September 16, 2014 in Groton, CT. Born on April 12, 1990 in Voorhees, NJ, Ben was the son of Daniel and Alice (Merkh) Grimes. At the age of 14, Ben and his family moved to Mancelona. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy where he was stationed in Charleston, SC for four years and then Groton, CT for two years. Ben had several awards through the U.S. Navy which included Submarine Warfare Insignia, Navy Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and Captain's Letter of Recommendation. Ben was one of a kind. Some of his friends declare that Ben was "larger than life". To know Ben was to love him. He loved kids, loved people and had a giving heart. Only eternity will tell how many people Ben touched. Describing himself, Ben said on his blog: I am a sinner. A redeemed one. What else is there to know? Ben is survived by his parents, Dan and Alice; siblings, Daniel II (Carolyn), Alli, Philip, Amanda, Scott and Samantha Grimes; paternal grandmother, Jane Grimes; maternal grandfather, Burwell (Ann) Merkh; many loving Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, a Niece and a Nephew. He will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Phyllis Merkh and his grandfather, Milt Grimes. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:00 PM on Sunday, September 28th at Pathway Community Church, Mancelona, MI. There will also be a Memorial Service at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, September 30th at New London Naval Sub Base, Groton, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent and pay to the order of Cedar Bend Farm, 1171 Doerr Road, Mancelona, MI 49659. The family will be putting the contributions towards a prayer garden in memory of Ben. The Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes is handling the arrangements. Please sign his guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com