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Stephen Grissom Obituary
Aug 20, 1953 - Jan 10, 2025
Dr. Stephen E. Grissom passed unexpectedly, but peacefully in his home on January 10, 2025, leaving behind an extraordinary personal and professional legacy. "Doc" as many knew him, was born on August 20, 1953, in Noel, Missouri, to Francis Eugene and Marie Grissom. Raised on a small, family dairy farm in Southwest Missouri, his humble upbringing would inspire him to change the lives of countless individuals. A class of 1971 graduate of McDonald County High School in Anderson, Missouri, Dr. Grissom completed his B.S.E. in Mathematics (Magna Cum Laude) from Missouri Southern State College in 1975. After completing his bachelor's degree, he then attended Oklahoma State University (OSU) earning a Ph.D. in 1979 in Educational Psychology.
Professionally, Dr. Grissom's passion was instructing, mentoring, and youth rehabilitation in the juvenile justice system. A passionate advocate and visionary, Dr. Grissom served as the Chief Psychologist for the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) and since 2017 sat on the OJA Board and State Advisory Group. Additionally, he is well known for the educational workshops he developed and consultation services he provided as a Certified Juvenile Competency Evaluator and Certified Psychologist. As a professor, Dr. Grissom taught courses in psychology, including forensic psychology, and mathematics at Northeastern State University, OSU, Tulsa Community College, and Langston University.
Dr. Grissom's professional accomplishments pale in comparison to the man he was as a father, grandfather, brother, mentor and friend. A selfless fan of people, Dr. Grissom's greatest gift wasn't just his brilliant mind, but his love and compassion for others. His legacy will live on with the people he loved, inspired, taught, and mentored. We were all fortunate to share in the joy and motivation of his approving smile, nod of the head, and brilliant twinkle in his eyes.
Dr. Grissom is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his son Jacob (Cynthia) Murdock; grandchildren Asher and Marley; sister Lori Dewall, best friend Elana Grissom, beloved dog Molly Bee, and extended family to include his nieces and nephews.
Memorial Donations can be sent to Lab Rescue OK, Inc. at: www.labrescue.net
www.fitzgeraldfuneralservice.com
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