COLONEL (RET.) THOMAS E. GRANNIS II

Colonel (Ret.) Thomas E. Grannis II of Madison, WI and Ft. Myers, FL, died on May 14, 2023. He was born in Flemingsburg, KY on May 1, 1937, the son of Harvey Newell and Marie (Cotterill) Grannis. He graduated from Fleming County High School in 1955, on August 23, 1955 he joined the USAF and served as a jet engine mechanic at Truax Field in Madison, WI. While there he met and married Christine (Kletzien) Grannis of Brodhead, WI. They married on August 15, 1959 in Brodhead and were married for over 64 years.
After discharge from the USAF, Thomas remained in Madison as an aircraft and engine mechanic for the Wisconsin Air National Guard. From 1968-1972 he attended the University of Wisconsin graduating with a degree in Education. He taught Middle School Math and Science in Madison for 7 years and also received a MS in Educational Administration.
Thomas received a military commission as a Captain in the USAF and was employed as Deputy Commander of Aircraft Maintenance for the Wisconsin Air National Guard, a position he held until December 1993 when he retired as Colonel.
Upon military retirement he returned to the classroom and taught science at Blackhawk Middle School in Madison until 1988 when he retired again and moved to Ft. Myers as a seasonal resident (snowbird).
He is survived by his wife Christine, daughter, Laura Toops (David), of Ft. Myers, FL, and son, Todd Errett Grannis (Terri) of Menasha, WI, grandchildren, Kimberly Toops (David Cox) of Madison, Erik (Sarah) Toops of Baltimore, MD, Sarah Grannis Stewart (Bill) of Kenosha, WI and Tony (Kelly) Grannis of Chicago, IL. Great grandchildren, Asher, Austin and Lily Toops.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey Newell and Marie Grannis, brothers, Harvey Newell Jr. and Paul Grannis, and his in-laws Ronald and Joyce Kletzien of Brodhead, WI.
Thomas was active in Hiram 50 Lodge of Madison, Madison Valley Scottish Rite, Zor Shrine in Madison.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 2:00PM at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road in Madison. A visitation will take place one hour prior.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to, First United Methodist Church, 203 Wisconsin Avenue in Madison; Scholarship Fund of Hiram 50 Lodge; UW Carbone Cancer Center, RE: GU Research, 600 Highland Avenue MC 9945, Madison, WI 53792 or Agrace Hospice, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway in Fitchburg.

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Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
(608) 238-3434