Walt Grace

OLIVE BRANCH, Ill. -- Walt Grace, 60, of Olive Branch passed away at 11:22 a.m., Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Feb. 17, 1961, at Cairo, Illinois, the son of Leslie Barnett and Patsy Lou Becker Grace Jr. He was married on Feb. 14, 1981, to Anita Jo McKee. She preceded him in death May 15, 2014. He later married Dana Swoboda on July 9, 2017.

Walt was a lifelong farmer in Alexander County, owning and operating the multi-generation Grace Farms in Olive Branch. Over the past 40 years, he farmed with his father, grandfather and his son. He actively served on the board of the Olive Branch Cemetery Association, as well as the Pulaski-Alexander Farm Bureau and Alexander County Water District board. He was a member of Cape First Church, loved deer and duck hunting, as well as bike riding.

Survivors include his wife, Dana Grace; son, Justin (Jessica) Grace; daughter, Lesley Grace; granddaughter, Natalie Grace; stepdaughter, Danielle Swoboda; mother, Patsy Mason; sister, Dr. Linda Grace; and many other loved ones and friends.

Visitation for Walt Grace will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, Illinois.

The funeral will follow at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Gary Brothers officiating and eulogy by Jeff Farris. Interment will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery.

The family requests with gratitude that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Olive Branch Cemetery Association, which was near and dear to Walt's heart. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To view the full obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family visit www.crainsonline.com.