William "Bill" Gran

William Arthur "Bill� Gran, 76, of Independence, MO died May 5, 2006 at his home surrounded by his family. A memorial service will be held at St. Mark�s Catholic Church, Lee�s Summit Road, on Sunday May 7 at 2pm followed by visitation. Bill was born July 15, 1929 in Minot, ND and later moved to Bellingham, Washington with his family where he attended junior high and graduated from high school in 1947. He then enlisted in the army and served for six years, three of which were in the 2nd infantry division in Korea. In 1956 he graduated from the Los Angeles Art Institute with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Transportation Design and a minor in Product Design. From 1956-1959 he was employed in Detroit at Ford Motor Company and then later in the Advanced Design Studios of Chrysler Corporation. In 1959 he moved his family to Independence, MO after accepting a position as Director of Design with the Vendo Company. In 1979 he began free lance design work which occupied him until his retirement in 1992.He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carole Gran and their four children Mark Gran and his sons Robert Goodno & Austin Gran of Woodstock, CT; Marcia Gran of Tulsa, OK and her husband and two sons, Pack, Walker & Noah Miracle; Dana Gran and wife, Amy White of Encinitas, CA; Geoffrey Gran, wife and daughter Barbie and Katrina Gran of Lee�s Summit, MO and brother Jerry and wife Barbara from Bellingham as well as many other members of his extended family. Bill was predeceased by his parents Arthur & Ruth Gran and brothers, Allen and Richard. Bill was an awesome father and grandfather and an unforgettable husband. Everyone that met him loved him and his creative sense of humor. He will be missed by everyone that knew him. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be offered to St. Luke�s Hospice or the hospice of your choice. On line condolences may be left for the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel)