David Lee McGrew,
75, of Walnut Grove
David Lee McGrew, 75, of Walnut Grove, IL passed away on February 1st, in his sleep in his home where his wife lovingly cared for him in sickness and in health.
He was the 10th of 11 children born to the late J. Miles and Maribel Waters McGrew on September 28, 1950, in Avon, IL. He married Melody Sue Woodford on February 8, 1975, in rural Macomb, IL.
David graduated from Bushnell-Prairie City High School in 1968 and Illinois Central College in 1971, after attending Prairie City Grade School. In 1966, he was one of the top 5 in the 4-H Livestock Judging Contest, making him eligible to represent McDonough County in the State Judging Contest. In 1967, he was one of the top 4-H Judges in Illinois and was selected to attend the State 4-H Invitational Livestock Judging Contest at the IL State Fair in Springfield. This was a skill he passed on to all 3 of his sons. He was a past member of the BPC FFA Chapter and a lifetime alumni member.
David and Melody built a life they loved with 3 sons, Justin, Jonas, and Jordan. David enjoyed farming and coaching his sons’ rec league basketball games. He had a commercial hog operation that transitioned into a show pig operation when his passion for purebred seedstock led him to raising Landrace, his favorite breed. His love for the breed built an operation that became well known across the country. His greatest passion was his grandchildren Payton & Nolan, Kylie & Emery, and Parker & Jackson. He didn’t miss a livestock show or a ballgame they were in and often voiced his opinion of the refs or the judge from the sidelines.
If you knew Dave, you know he could talk to anyone. He was always ready with a joke or a story about his boys, his grandkids and livestock. He often ended the conversation with an “I suppose” a wink, and a smile.
David is survived by his wife, Melody, and 3 sons, Justin Miles (Alison) of rural Good Hope, IL, Jonas Lee (Jill) of rural Sciota, IL and Jordan Patrick (Carley) of rural Good Hope, IL, 6 grandchildren, Payton & Nolan McGrew, Kylie & Emery McGrew, Parker & Jackson McGrew. He is also survived by his siblings Tom McGrew, Bill (Marcia) McGrew, John (Sharon) McGrew, Sam (Sara) McGrew, Mary (Bob) Davidson, Ken (Ruth Ann) McGrew and sisters-in-law Barbara McGrew and Beverly McGrew. He was preceded in death by brothers Jim, Dick, Bob & Ronnie McGrew.
Funeral Services and the visitation will be held at Christian Community Center, Bushnell, IL. The visitation will be held on Wednesday February 4, 2026 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm and the Funeral Service will be held on Thursday February 5, 2026 at 10:00 am. Burial will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery, rural Good Hope.
Memorial contributions may be made to McDonough County 4-H Buildings and Grounds or to the National Junior Swine Association.
Martin-Hollis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.martinhollisfh.com
