Remembering Donald C. Grant

Words: Mason Contractors Association of St. Louis
Photo: MCAA

Donald C. Grant, Chairman of Grant Masonry Contracting Company, passed away earlier this week. Don was a loving husband to his wife Marlene for 65 years, and a role model to his 5 sons and 5 daughters-in-law, 15 grandchildren and spouses, and 2 great-grandchildren. Don was a devout family man, and either coached or watched almost every game of every sport played by his kids and grandkids. Don had a tremendous admiration for his Catholic Faith and practiced at Assumption Church-Mattese.

He enjoyed traveling to see his out-of-town grandchildren, enjoyed gardening for meditation, golfing for frustration, fishing for relaxation, and music and reading for fulfillment. Don was a proud Hall of Fame member of both his alma mater, Christian Brothers College High School, and of St. John Vianney High School. 

He was a two-sport athlete (baseball and basketball) and a graduate of Christian Brothers University in Memphis, and Washington University in St. Louis. Don held a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and was a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Missouri.

Don was a second-generation Mason Contractor and worked alongside his sons during the third generation. His father Harry started the business in 1946, seventy-five years ago. As a St. Louis native and contractor, Don was especially proud of our City and its many beautiful and historic buildings.

Don gave to the Masonry Industry in every respect. He is a Past President of both the Mason Contractors Association of St. Louis and the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA). Don served as Chairman of the Masonry Institute of St. Louis for 12 years. Don was a recipient of numerous awards;  including the Lead Man Award from the MCAA for his service and dedication to the Masonry Industry, and induction into the MCAA Hall of Fame. He is a Legacy Award winner from the American Subcontractors Association-Midwest Council.  

Other Industry Organizations include the Engineers Club, National Society of Professional Engineers, Midwest Masonry Research Foundation, American Society of Civil Engineers, and The Masonry Society. Don was a Trustee for many years for the Bricklayers’ Local #1 Pension and Welfare Trusts,  Apprenticeship Trust, Vacation Fringe Trust, Arbitration Board, and the Eastern Missouri Laborers Pension and Welfare Funds.

Don was a very generous and charitable man.  His generosity extended to his Parish, his High School and College connections, as well as St. Peter and Paul Community Services and the MUNY of St. Louis. Don never stopped teaching and never stopped learning. One of his favorite teaching moment phrases was, “learn to listen, and listen to learn”.

Don inspired so many people and will be deeply missed.