Claremore - Ira "Grant" Driver, Jr.

A memorial service to celebrate and remember the life of Ira "Grant" Driver, Jr., was held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 23, 2025, at Claremore First Methodist Church. Grant passed away at his home with his family at his side on Sunday, May 18, 2025. He was 75.

Born in Tulsa, OK, on January 24, 1950, to Ira Grant and Alice (Grider) Driver, Grant was raised and educated in Claremore and graduated from Claremore High School. Grant continued his education at Okmulgee Tech where he received his certification as an auto-diesel mechanic. He received his Bachelor of Science in business from Cameron University in Lawton, OK, and his teaching certificate from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK. On August 10, 1974, in Altus, OK, Grant married the love of his life, Emily Dial. Their marriage was gifted with 2 children, David and Jeana. Grant provided for his family, working as a mechanic at Suburban Chevrolet in Claremore, retiring from there as their Service Manager. Not ready to enjoy retirement, Grant started teaching at Chelsea Public Schools in 1993, retiring from there in 2013.

A man with a wide variety of interests and talents, Grant could fix almost anything from tables to microwave ovens and did many renovations in the homes he lived in. He was an accomplished woodworker and artisan, making numerous one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, carved items, tableware, and stained glass artworks. Having a huge workshop behind his home gave him plenty of room to store his collections of tools. He loved music, especially classic rock, and always had it playing while he worked. Grant had a black belt in Taekwondo and was an instructor in Claremore at Beaven's Martial Arts for over 15 years.

Grant gave back to his community as well. He was the go-to Santa Claus at Christmas. He loved doing this for many local schools and organizations. Perhaps the smile on the children's faces or even the adults who were still young at heart made this an annual part of Grant's Christmas celebration. He was part of the Gridiron cast and production through the Claremore Chamber of Commerce for more than 15 years. It was an opportunity for his very dry wit and sense of humor to shine. It also gave him the opportunity to roast some of the local dignitaries. Grant was also part of the cast for Mark Ogle's murder mystery production called Neosho Falls. Those productions were enjoyed by all who attended and once again allowed Grant's creative side to shine.

A man who has given of himself to others his whole life has made a lasting impact on countless lives. Grant has left a legacy that will live on in the lives of his family, students, and friends for years to come. Grant is survived by his wife Emily Dial-Driver; children, David O. Driver and wife Thanyakarn, Jeana Lee Driver Starbuck and husband Todd; grandchildren, Evalynne Starbuck and Mira Starbuck; brothers, Clarence Driver and wife Juana, Gary Driver and wife Susan Tolbert; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Grant was preceded in death by his parents.

Please view and sign Grant's online tribute at www.delozierfuneralservice.com