Ulysses Samuel Grant, 69

MILFORD - Ulysses Samuel Grant, 69, of Milford, passed away at home peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, after a long illness. He was born on July 4, 1940, to George E. and Lila F. (Knaub) Grant in Pitman, N.J. He graduated from Milford High School in 1959 and proudly served in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1963. After returning home, he served an apprenticeship with I.B.E.W. L.U. 126 in PA. After working across the Eastern United States as an outside lineman, he joined the Millwrights and Machinary Erectors L.U. 1545 out of Wilmington, DE working in Delaware until retiring from the construction trades in 2000. While working in heavy construction, he owned and operated with his wife and children Mason Dixon Honey Farm and Grant Services. After retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He enjoyed attending Naval Reunions with his wife, collecting and refurbishing old machinery, collecting Civil War memorabilia, researching family history, and hunting bear, fishing and traveling. He also enjoyed working on many projects in the community and on his farm, for he loved to work. He was also a devout Christian who enjoyed reading the Bible and attending church with his family. Mr. Grant served as a Commissioner on Kent County Levy Court. In 2006, he was nominated to run for the seat in the State House of Representatives in the 33rd District. He was a life member of the N.R.A.; Past Master of Temple Lodge #9 A.F. & A.M.; Past Grand Junior Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Delaware; a member of the Knights Templar of St. Andrews Commandry No. 2; a member of the Cedarfield Rotary, the American Legion C.K.R.T. Post #7 in Harrington. He was a Proud American. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Harriet Jane "Rachel" Grant. He is survived by one son, David S. Grant and his wife Mary Elizabeth of Milford; three daughters, Rachel F. Messick - Klensch and her husband Lew of Milford, Yolanda A. Messick and her husband Rodney L. of Milford, and Anna Marie McBane and her husband William J. McBane III of Lincoln; three sisters, Bernice Moon of Longmont, Colo., Janice Henry of Oregon, and Nancy Talbot of Cottonwood, Ariz.; one brother, Gregory Grant of Thereasa, N.Y.; and seven grandchildren Bryant Messick, Joshua Messick, Jacob Messick, John McBane, Laura McBane, Sarah McBane and Emily McBane. Friends called Sunday evening, Nov. 1, at the Lofland Funeral Home, 102 Lakeview Avenue, Milford. Friends also called on Nov. 2, at Lincoln United Methodist Church, Second and Butler streets, Lincoln where services were held. Burial with military honors was in Milford Community Cemetery, Rt. 113, Milford. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Millwood Community Center, 332 Ward Branch Lane, Milford, DE 19963 or to the Home of the Brave, 6632 Sharps Road, Milford, DE 19963