By Rebecca Goodman
The Cincinnati Enquirer

BROMLEY - Harlan E. Grimes, a retired electrical engineer and World War II veteran, died Friday at Woodcrest Manor in Elsmere. The Bromley resident was 87.

He was part of the generation that served his country in World War II then came home to work, raise a family and serve his community.

A native of Mount Orab, Mr. Grimes was a graduate of Mount Orab High School.

He volunteered for the Army during World War II and served as a master sergeant with the Signal Corps. His job was to work on military telephone systems in California, according to his son Tom, of Bromley.

Back home, Mr. Grimes was a designer of machine-tool circuitry for G.E. Aircraft Engines and later the U.S. Drill Head Co., from which he retired in 1986.

"As far as his skills in the machine-tool industry, he was well known throughout the city as a top engineer," his son said.

A member of the Greater Cincinnati Amateur Radio Association, Mr. Grimes volunteered his electrical and radio services by repairing equipment for the Bromley Volunteer Fire Department. For that, the department made him an honorary member.

He was also instrumental in the founding of the first Bromley Boy Scout troop in 1955.

And he was active with the Immanuel United Church of Christ, serving as Sunday school superintendent and chairman of the building committee when the new church was built in 1959.

Mr. Grimes was a Kentucky Colonel and a member of Bromley Veterans of World War II, Unity Lodge No. 478 F&AM and the Scottish Rite.

In addition to his son, survivors include his wife, Elizabeth "Bee" Grimes; another son, Ed of Edgewood; a brother, Clarence of West Chester Township; and three grandchildren.

Visitation is 5-8 p.m. today at Ronald B. Jones Funeral Home, 316 Elm St. in Ludlow. The funeral is 11 a.m. Thursday at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 110 Boone St. in Bromley. Burial will be at Highland Cemetery in Fort Mitchell.

Memorials: Immanuel United Church of Christ, 110 Boone St., Bromley, KY 41016, or Bromley Volunteer Fire Department, 226 Boone St., Bromley, KY 41016.