Richard Arthur Grissom's Obituary
Richard Arthur Grissom, age 89, of Charleston, Illinois, formerly of Casey, Illinois, passed away on Friday, October 31, 2025 at Charleston Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. He was born December 29, 1935 to Noble and Leona Swyer Grissom in Casey, Illinois. On December 25, 1954 he married the love of his life, Helen “Joanne” Stewart, in Casey.
Richard is survived by his devoted wife of 70 years, Joanne Grissom of Charleston; three children, Gary and wife Nancy Grissom of Charleston, Curtis and wife Lori Grissom of Charleston, and Christina and husband Ross Davis of Mattoon; six grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Shirley Fields of Joliet and Elizabeth and husband Kenneth Novac. He was preceded in death by his parents and nine siblings, Dorothy Jean Ring, Juanita Paul, June McCullough, Kay Hunsaker, Evelyn Roan, Tom Grissom, Morris Ray Grissom, Etta Mae Grissom, and Maurice Ray Grissom.
Richard graduated from Casey High School and went on to complete two years of training through the United States Air Force. He proudly served his country for twenty-one years, retiring as an aircraft crew chief. Known to many as Gus, he worked on aircraft, served as a crew chief, and took part in missile operations and the Titan III-C military launch program, which helped pave the way for early space communications and the beginnings of space command. Following his military career, he moved to Charleston where he worked in real estate and owned rental properties. He also previously worked at Trailmobile.
Faith and family were at the center of Richard’s life. He was a dedicated member of the First Church of God for more than forty years. He enjoyed golfing, mechanical work, and riding motorcycles with Joanne for over thirty years. Later in life, they treasured traveling and making memories together as motor-home campers.
Visitation will take place Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 10 am to 12 pm at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, Illinois. Funeral services will follow at 12 pm with Pastor Russ Finley officiating. Burial with military rites provided by the United States Air Force and VFW Post 1592 Honor Guard will take place at Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Church of God, 1225 Montgomery Drive, Charleston, Illinois 61920.
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