A Celebration of Life for Phil Grom Jr., 67, Lawrence, will be held from 2 to 5 pm on Friday, October 25, 2019, at the Union Pacific Depot in North Lawrence. Phil died Tuesday, September 17, 2019, at his home, surrounded by family, after a battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
Phil was a longtime groundskeeper for University of Kansas Athletics, and a longtime sports official. He was also an avid fisherman and golfer, and worked at Eagle Bend Golf Course.
Survivors include his wife, Becky, and children Katie and Matthew.
A full obituary will appear here later.
So many memories come flooding back. Phil and I worked several Big 8/Big 12 softball games, and each has its own story. Always handy with a quip, he kept the tension out of almost every “situation.” My prayers are with you, Becky and family. Please know that there is a multitude of respect and love flowing your way.
Well, Kenny, it was your time way too soon. We have such fun memories of Phenix softball games because of you. God bless you and the family. You had a super life!
My prayers and thoughts to the family of Phil. I met Phil through softball umpiring. He was a top-notch umpire, fun to work and have a few beers with, had a great sense of humor and a very classy guy. Phil will be missed by everyone he umpired with.
RIP,
Brownie
Becky and Family:
So sorry to hear about Phil. I always enjoyed seeing and visiting with him on various occasions. He was great to talk with.
Thinking of you guys. Sending love and prayers. Phil was so ornery and funny. Always shading jokes and making us laugh during baseball games.
Phil was a great one. I always treasured the conversations we had in the Student Support office at KU. Many stories and many laughs! My sincere sympathy is with Becky, Katie and Matthew.
Phil was an amazing person. I have so many memories. We all shared so much from our days at KUAC. Phil spent so many years tossing the ball in the air, pulling the yellow flag out of his pocket, and dusting off home plate. He always called a fair game. In true Phil fashion he blew his whistle and called his final time out. God speed my friend. Blessings to Becky and family
Phil umpired many of the Eudora Wings softball games in the 70’s & 80’s. Following the game, Phil would join us for a cold beverage not to discuss the calls he made, but to share our love of the game. He was a very good umpire, too.
Prayers for Family and Friends. I knew Phil from Softball Umpiring. He was a great umpire, fun to work with, and always had a great joke. He will be missed in many ways. Rest in Peace my Friend.
Becky, Katie and Matthew, John and I want to express our sympathy to you all. Phil was such a fun person to be around with his great, dry sense of humor. Let your memories, and his love for you all, bring you comfort.
Tom and I would have loved to know Phil. We both golfed and Tom was a big sportsman. It would have been a great friendship. So sorry for your loss. Tom played basketball and softball too.
I’m so sorry for the loss of Phil may he RIP ?? thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
I was so sad to see of Phil’s passing. I’ve known him so many years from KUAC and officiating. He always had a special place in my heart. All my love to you and your family, Becky. Peace and comfort to you all with many thoughts and prayers.
So sorry. Hugs and prayers to you and your family.
Becky, Katie, and Matthew,
I am so sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. I always enjoyed talking to him. You all are in my thoughts.
Maria
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Katie and your family.
My greatest memories of Phil are the ones we shared on the softball field and basketball court. God bless you dear friend. My thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of sorrow.
Phil was the best umpire and referee in Kansas. You will be missed. I have so many great memories, ” Happy trails” old friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.