VAN BUREN -- Current vice-chairman and longtime Three Rivers College trustee Randall "Randy" Grassham died unexpectedly Saturday at his home in Van Buren.
Grassham, 64, had served Three Rivers College since February 2009, when he was appointed to fill the unexpired term of his father, long-time trustee James Grassham.
Upon his replacement, it will be the first time since 1982 a Grassham has not represented Carter County on the college's Board of Trustees.
President of Three Rivers College, Dr. Wesley Payne on behalf of himself and the college, offered condolences to Grassham's family.
"Like his father before him, Randy served on the Board of Trustees in an honest and straight forward manner," Payne said.
"His wisdom and deep devotion to Three Rivers College and its students will be missed. While a new representative for his district will serve, Mr. Grassham will not be possible to replace. He will be missed as a member of the board and I will personally miss him."
Grassham was a lifelong resident of Carter County. He served the residents of Van Buren as a city alderman for nine years and as mayor for more than two. Prior to joining his son and daughter at the family's hardware and lumber business, Grassham worked at the Grassham Chevrolet dealership for 40 years.
Current chairman, Darren Garrison, has served with Grassham since 2010. Garrison said he is honored to have worked alongside such an admirable individual.
"Randy represented the folks of Carter County on the board very well," Garrison said. "I hate to lose him. He was a great person and a great board member and I am honored to have served with him."
Three Rivers trustee Eric Schalk, who was elected in 2014, said he is saddened by his friend's sudden passing.
"Randy was a valuable board member," Schalk said. "In the four plus years I served with him, he always carried a calm, level headed demeanor. Soft-spoken, but when he spoke, the decision that came out of his mouth was one that carried great impact amongst the board members."
Grassham's full obituary can be found inside today's edition of the Daily American Republic.