--Published in The Medford Mail Tribune, 01/12/2016:

Don, a much loved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, went home to be with the Lord January 7, 2016.

He was born in Ashland, Ore. to pioneers, Llewellyn James and Amy Pearl Grissom, whose families homesteaded at Lake Creek and on the Greensprings in 1894.

Don was a 1939 graduate of Eagle Point High School with the distinction of being valedictorian of his graduating class.

He served in the army during WWII.

After the death of his father, he took over the family homestead at Lake Creek in 1943, switching from a sheep operation to that of cattle.

On June 5, 1955 in Eagle Point, Oregon Don married Deloris Lorraine Ross.

Don was a gentleman of integrity and honesty. He spent his entire life dedicating himself to the Lord, his reputation, his family, ranching, and Cascade Real Estate in Eagle Point, as owner-broker.

Don enjoyed ranching, hunting, and visiting. His wish was to 'Live in a house by the side of the road, and be a friend to man.'

He was a member of the Antelope Sunday School, Eagle Point, and on the board of Fir Point Bible Conference, Glendale, Oregon from 1958 to 2010.


Don is survived by his beloved wife, Deloris; his three daughters, DeAnna Ross of White City, Ore., Debra Dean of Eagle, Idaho, and Tami Alleman (Dave) of Junction City, Ore.; his two sons, Gregg Grissom and Scott Grissom (Georgiann) of Lake Creek, Ore.; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two nieces and seven nephews, including Sandra Grissom Reynolds who is a special family member.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Clyde; his sister, Joyce Householder; his son, Marc; and his grandson, Ryan Ross.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 15, 2016 at Trail Christian Fellowship, 18881 Hwy 62, Eagle Point, Ore. Reverend Curt Christian will officiate.