George Grenyo

George Grenyo, 95, went to his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at Larksfield Place Hospice care surrounded by family. George was born in Yonkers, NY on September 15, 1925 to Peter and Mary Grenyo who had immigrated from Czechoslovakia, via Ellis Island, 15 years prior. He was the youngest of 7 children. Military: Upon high school graduation, at age 17, George enlisted in the Navy where his two brothers were already active-duty. He trained at Navy bases in New York, Florida, California, and Hutchinson, Kansas. He was specially-trained in the Navy Air Communications-in-Flight. George was honorably discharged post-war in April 1946 as an Aviation Radioman 1st Class-not yet 21 years old. Work: George was a very successful and self-employed (1966) Oil and Gas Landman who continued to work well into his 70s and 80s. However, George’s amazing work ethic began with his first job was as a shoe shine boy with the kit his dad helped him build at 8-years-old. He became a golf caddy at 10 until he went to basic training at 17. Post-war he got an office job with the President of Oil Trading on Wall Street, Harvey Carter. He was soon advanced to oil broker himself. Mr. Carter transferred George to their Houston office. This is where he met and golfed with Houston oilman, George Herbert Walker Bush. President Bush remained a lifelong friend of George’s which included attending his inaugural ceremonies. Because of George’s amazing skills, winning personality, and prior work in Hutchinson, KS, Mr. Carter chose George to move to Wichita to handle their Oil/Gas Trading Association leasing requirements in 1955. George took night classes at WSU and graduated with BA in Business, and majored in Marketing and Russian. Family: George met and married first wife, Adelda (Bibb) in 1965. He adopted her 2 sons, Barry and Edward, and in 1966 son Patrick was born. Adelda passed away in 1990. 1n 1994, George met and married Carol (Clark). Together they shared George’s 3 sons and Carol’s 3 daughters-Susan, Shelly, and Stacy. She remained at his side until his death. George had many passions during his years: His Catholic faith, his family, and his charity work and volunteerism. He served on many boards including two terms as the President of the local American Cancer Society, and was President of The Wichita Association of Petroleum Landmen. His final volunteer work was with the Honor Flight of Kansas Foundation. While suffering from a back condition and in a wheelchair, George with Carol’s assistance, was honored to be flown to Washington with the Honor Flight Foundation. Upon his return, and being so moved by the experience, he made it his mission to raise money for other veterans to be so honored. He contacted the local chapter and from there the annual Kansas Honor Flight Golf Tournament was born. It remains an annual event and has become the chapter’s biggest fund raiser each year. Golf: George’s love of golf began as a small boy with home-made clubs in the streets of Yonkers and as a 10-year-old caddy. He traveled around the world for tournaments, had 5 hole-in-ones, “golfed his age” often, was Rolling Hills CC Senior Champion, and loved teaching and playing with his wife, children, grand- and great-grandchildren. When asked why he didn’t ‘go pro’, he explained that being a golf pro back then did not earn enough money to support a family. Preceded in death by parents, Peter and Mary Grenyo; son, Barry; first wife, Adelda; and his 6 siblings. He is survived by wife, Carol; son, Edward of Lawrence, KS; son, Patrick (Rhonda) of Fargo, ND; daughter, Susan Olson (Evan) of The Woodlands, TX; daughter, Shelly Gillum (Todd Seymour) of Wichita; daughter, Stacy Woodin of Wichita. George adored his nine grandchildren-Nicky, Jessica, Eliot, Shelby, Jane, Katie, Grace, Peyton, Blake and 12+ great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please donate in George’s name to: Kansas Honor Flight, P.O. Box 2371, Hutchinson, KS, 67504; or Wichita Children's Home, 7271 E. 37th St. N., Wichita, KS, 67226. Special Thanks to Larksfield Healthcare, Larksfield Hospice Care, and Ed Cornejo for their excellent attention and care. Visitation will be from 4:00 - 6:00 pm, Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Rosary will be at 9:30 am, Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, both Wednesday, March 10, 2021, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Service will be Live Streamed through St. Thomas’ website. Graveside Service will follow at Resthaven Cemetery.