Robert Leslie Grissom

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Robert “Bob” Grissom, of Raytown Missouri. He passed on June 17th, 2024, at The Wellington Senior Living in Liberty, MO., where he had called home for the past 3 years. He was 93 years old.

Bob was born to Roy and Lehella (Butler) Grissom on March 4th, 1931 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. He was the middle of 3 sons.

After graduating from Prairie View High School, at the age of 19, Bob joined the US Air Force and enlisted in August 1950. After basic training he was stationed at Wheelus AFB in Tripoli, Africa in the field of Chemical Engineering. After returning to Ellington Air Force Base in TX, he met Rosa Marie Romano, of Quincy, Mass., who was also stationed on base in the Woman’s Air Force (WAF). They soon fell in love and were married on December 26th 1954.

After they both separated from the Air Force they moved to Prague, OK and Bob went to college at the University of Oklahoma, and eventually transferred and graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

Upon graduation, Bob was hired by the Bendix Corporation in Kansas City, MO where he was employed until his retirement in 1994.

While hard work was one of his most defining characteristics, Bob found great joy in Politics and the art of collecting Carnival Glass (oh yes and being a supporting father and devoted husband of course). In 1973 (9) couples with the same love for iridized glass formed the Heart of America Carnival Glass Association (HOACGA) in which Bob was President for approx. 30 years.

Runner up, was his love for local government and being the voice of the people in Raytown, MO where he served as Alderman of Ward 4 from 1962 – 1966 and 1971 thru 1978. He then became Mayor Bob from 1979 – 1982.

Preceded in death by his wife Rosa (Romano) Grissom, his parents Roy and Lehella Grissom, brother Sam Grissom and daughter Debbie Ann Grissom.

Bob is survived by his son Brian Grissom of Kearney, MO., daughter Melissa (Grissom) Alleman of Kearney, MO, brother Roy Grissom of Prague, OK., sister-in-law Joi (Snyder) Grissom of Shawnee, Ok. Grandchildren Mya (Alleman) Croy and Drew Croy, Hanna (Grissom) Adkins and Joe Adkins, Easton Alleman, Lauren Grissom, Nik Grissom and Great-Grandson Carter Adkins. Nieces and nephews Terry Grissom, Sherri (Grissom) Ripley and Bobby Ripley, Keith Grissom and Janet (Shephard) Grissom, Vic Grissom and Jayne (Southern) Grissom

A visitation will be held on Saturday June 29th 2024

DW Newcomers Floral Hills Funeral Home

7000 Blue Ridge Blvd

Kansas City, (Raytown) MO. 64133

Visitation: 9:00am ~ 10:30am

Service: 10:30am ~ 11:00am

Light Fare Catered Lunch 11:00am ~ 12:00pm