John Kenneth Grissom's Obituary
John Kenneth Grissom, 94, of Decatur, IL, passed away at 10:57 P.M. on Thursday (01-16-2025) in Decatur, IL.
John was born on May 27, 1930, in Oilfield, IL, the son of Jesse Arlo Grissom and Marie (Wood) Grissom. He married Garnett Trader on July 8, 1951, in Oakland, IL.
John grew up in the depression era Illinois on a farm with 10 brothers and sisters. He had many interesting and lively stories to tell. He gave his children the childhood he didn't have. He always made sure his daughters had the best of life. He had a heart of gold.
John served his country in the United States Army. He worked as the manager of Midwest Truck Equipment for his entire career. John was a member of First Christian Church, Decatur, IL. He loved his family, boating and especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Garnett of almost 74 years of marriage; children: Barbara Jean Riley of Magnolia Springs, AL; Sherry Lee McBride of Tallahassee, FL; Twila Ann McManmie and husband Chris of Bethany, IL; 5 grandchildren: Charity, Trisha, Melissa, Bryant, and Laura Lee; 15 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters: Patsy Gray of Greentown, IN, and Wanda Forren of South Carolina.
John was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers, 4 sisters, and son-in-law Andy Riley.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Wednesday (01-22-2025) at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home with visitation from 11:00 A.M. until service time. The burial will be in Mt. Gilead cemetery.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in care of Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Homes www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?
