Alvin J. DeGrow

Alvin J. DeGrow
Member of the Michigan Senate
from the 28th district
In office
1968 – December 31, 1982
Preceded byFrank D. Beadle
Succeeded byDan DeGrow
Personal details
Born(1926-06-01)June 1, 1926
Pigeon, Michigan
DiedJune 2, 2016(2016-06-02) (aged 90)
Political partyRepublican
SpouseJudith
Military service
Branch/serviceUnited States Navy
Battles/warsWorld War II

Alvin J. DeGrow (June 1, 1926 – June 2, 2016) was a Republican member of the Michigan Senate, representing a portion of the Thumb from 1968 through 1982.[1]

After graduating from Pigeon High School in 1944, DeGrow served in the United States Navy during World War II, seeing action in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater as a quartermaster third class aboard a tank landing ship. Upon returning to Michigan, DeGrow married Judith Haist in 1946. Five years later, he became the owner and operator of the Ben Franklin store in Pigeon.[2]

DeGrow was involved in Rotary International as the local chapter president and district governor. His first involvement in politics was being elected to the Tri-County Community College board. In 1968, he was elected in a special election to serve in the state Senate. DeGrow was elected to a full term in 1970 and served through 1982. DeGrow was recognized for forging compromises and developing solutions to complex problems. Upon retirement from the Legislature, he founded a lobbying firm with two Senate colleagues, retiring from that in 1989.[3]

After leaving the Senate, his cousin Dan DeGrow succeeded him.[4]

DeGrow died the day following his 90th birthday, on June 2, 2016.[5]

  1. ^ 1981-1982 Michigan Manual: Alvin J. DeGrow
  2. ^ Stapleton, Seth (16 June 2016). "Sen. DeGrow remembered as a man of important words". Huron Daily Tribune. Retrieved 8 July 2016.
  3. ^ Senate Resolution 194 (2016): A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Alvin J. DeGrow, former member of the Senate
  4. ^ The Political Graveyard: DeGrow, Alvin J.
  5. ^ Gov. Rick Snyder lowers flags in honor of former Sen. Alvin DeGrow