Mr. Elwood F. Grissom, age 91
Of Greenup, IL passed away at 3:19 PM – Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at
Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Care Center in Mattoon, IL.
Funeral services celebrating Elwood's life will be held at 3:00 PM – Saturday, October 1, 2011 at the Bishop Funeral Home in Greenup, IL with Pastor Brooke Davis officiating. Burial will be in the Harmony Cemetery north of Greenup with full military rites by the Cumberland County Veterans Association. Visitation will be held from 1:30 PM until service time. In loving memory of Elwood, memorials may be made to the Cumberland County Veterans Association.
He was born in Cumberland Co., IL the son of Oris and Zetta (Tipsword) Grissom on October 24, 1919. He married Evelyn Volk on September 2, 1939 in Henderson, Kentucky and she survives.
Elwood served in the Army during WWII where his unit fought its way across France and later joined up with Patton's 7th Armored Infantry Division to fight in the Battle of the Bulge. At the end of the war, his unit guarded high ranking officers of the German Army for the war crime trials held in Nuremberg Germany. After discharge, he returned to Cumberland County where he became an electrician; a 42 year member of the IBEW,
He retired from Eastern IL University as an electrician where he was affectionately known as "Woody".
Elwood was a contented man whom enjoyed his family and solitude. He enjoyed mowing, cutting wood, gardening and tending to his chickens. He was always willing to lend a hand and share his works.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Evelyn, and children Gary (Pat) Grissom, Brenda (Carrell) Hampsten and Susie (Raymond) Brown all of Greenup. Surviving siblings are Mary McDade, Fred Grissom, and Jennie Terrell. 8 grandchildren 11 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchildren also survive.
Elwood was preceded in death by his parents, Oris and Zetta Mae Grissom Ingram, step-father, Earl Ingram; an infant son; siblings Carl Grissom, infant brother, Don Ingram, Beulah Vaughn and Irene Floyd.