Frank Joseph Grimm

Francis “Frank” Joseph Paul Grimm, 79, passed away Sunday morning, February 4th, 2024 in Conroe, Texas. He was born November 18, 1944 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to his parents Francis Joseph Grimm Sr. and Rita Veronica Diviny - who nicknamed him "Knute". Frank (who also went by "Fran" in his youth) grew up in Philadelphia with his brother William “Billy”, and sister Rita.

Frank was a natural born athlete and lived the life of one, playing every sport possible. He made the All-Scholastic team his junior year at Father Judge High School and was voted “Best All-Around Athlete” in the state of Pennsylvania the year he graduated. He then had the choice to be coached in boxing by Sugar Ray Leonard’s coaches, train for the Olympic swimming team, or play college football. He chose football and decided to play for The University of Tulsa to be close with his beloved mother in Oklahoma.

After graduating college with a BS in Physical Education, he went to the Chicago bears as 2nd string for Dick Butkus, but was unfortunately injured. This lead him to the CFL where he then met the same fate. He soon began his coaching career at Edison Preparatory School before coaching at his alma mater, The University of Tulsa, where he coached his good friend Lovie Smith (later giving Lovie his 1st coaching job at Cascia Hall). He went on to coach at Texas Christian University, Cascia Hall Preparatory School, Catoosa High School, Sparta High School, East Central High School, Sapulpa High School, Thomas Jefferson (Memorial) High School, Mannford High School, Nederland High School, and Klein Collins High School.

In 2009, Coach Grimm was named GHFCA Assistant Coach of the year. He also coached Ray Rhodes, former Head Coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, as well as 2 Pro Football Hall of Famers: Steve Largent & Drew Pearson. In total, Frank was able to participate in his passion, football, for over 60 years.

He married his wife Lisa Disdier on October 21st, 1995. They loved singing to the radio while driving together, spontaneously dancing in the kitchen, and spending days on the lake fishing in their boat. Frank loved Lisa very much and would always proclaim it in over-the-top praise. They were a breath of fresh air to each other.

Frank had so many unbelievable stories of people he knew or interacted with including Arnold Palmer, Darrell K Royal, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Holtz and more. It was never a surprise when he would nonchalantly mention a close relationship with an NFL coach or someone famous. Most importantly - he never bragged about it. He appreciated and expressed love and gratitude for these people and the opportunities he was given.

He was an early bird, an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan, a storehouse of dad jokes, and a firm believer in standing up for the little guy.

In the last few years of his life, he was able to turn to the Lord and put his trust in Him, finding true peace and rest. We thank the Lord for his soft heart and that he is now with those he loved so dearly.

He is predeceased by his mother Rita; his father Francis; his former wife Susan; his brother Billy; his nephew Eddy; his son Brian; his sister Rita. He is survived by his wife Lisa; his children Jeanette, Andy, Bryan, Shannon, Alysia; fifteen grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life for Frank will be held Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Cashner Funeral Home, 801 Teas Road, Conroe, Texas 77303.