Thomas R. Grohn, 80, of Beaumont, died Saturday, September 5, 2009, at his home surrounded by his family and friends.

He was born January 26, 1929, to Thomas and Ellen Grohn in Sour Lake. Thomas was a lifelong resident of the Sour Lake/Beaumont area.

He graduated from Sour Lake High School in 1946 and later enlisted in the United States Army Air Force for four years.  Thomas started in banking in 1951 with Sour Lake State Bank and retired from banking in 1983.  He attended American Institute of Banking in 1963 and later attended Louisiana State University of Banking of the south in 1965.

Thomas was a very active member of Praise Christian Center where he was a Trustee and Elder for a number of years. He was a former member of Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship active in the 1970’s, and a former member of the Lion’s Club of Sour Lake.

He is survived by his wife, Nell Grohn of Beaumont; sons, Stephen Grohn and his wife Susan of Beaumont, and Paul Grohn of Silsbee; granddaughters, Stefanie Stallings and her husband Curtis of Houston, Sarah Grohn and Rebekah Grohn both of Beaumont, and Christine Grohn of Waco; sister, Betty Grohn of Sour Lake; and brother, Dan Grohn and his wife Rita of Houston and their three sons.

His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2009, at Praise Christian Center, 8325 Walker Road, Beaumont with burial to follow Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.  A gathering of his family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday, September 7, 2009, at Broussard’s.

Memorial contributions may be made to Praise Christian Center, 8325 Walker Road, Beaumont, Texas 77708.