Don Vernon Grider

Don Vernon Grider embarked on his final adventure on October 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy as enduring as the vintage cars he loved to restore. Born on June 5, 1952, in Highlandville, MO, Don's journey came full circle as he drew his last breath in his home surrounded by his children. Don's hands were rarely still, as they were either skillfully restoring old cars to their former glory, crafting his unique knives, casting a line into the water, hunting for the illusive buck, or tenderly tending to his garden.
Though he was preceded in death by the love of his life, Roberta, as well as his father, Hershell Grider, his mother, Frances VanHorn, and his brother, Dennis Grider, Don's spirit lives on through his children and grandchildren. His children-Russell Grider and his wife, Jaime, Erin Tompkins and her husband, Donald, Heather Frank and her husband, Brian, Michael Nash and his wife, Lichelle, and Stephan Nash-were his pride and joy, the living embodiments of his generous heart and spirited nature.
Don's grandchildren-Dalton Grider and his wife, Tierra, Benjamin, Adam, and Briar Hurd, Nathan Phelps and wife, Shannon, Spencer Parizek, Ashley Steighner and her husband, Seth, Sarah Cooper, Nikki Nash, and Cara Alday and her husband, Kodie-were the recipients of his boundless love and countless jokes. And let's not forget the great-grandchildren, who had the honor of experiencing his funny tales and witnessing his generous spirit firsthand.
As we bid farewell to Don, let's remember him not with sadness but with the same joy and laughter he brought into our lives. Don Vernon Grider, you were truly one of a kind, and your memory will be cherished in the laughter and love you left behind.
A memorial service for Don Grider will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, 4:00 pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home and Life Tribute Center in Ozark, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don's memory to Seasons Hospice (1831 W. Melville Road Springfield, MO 65803).
Memorial services have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home and Life Tribute Center in Ozark, Missouri.