VAN BUREN, Mo. - Randall Herple "Randy" Grassham, son of the late James Eugene and Ellen Pauline (Hunter) Grassham was born February 16, 1954 in Van Buren, Mo., and departed this life on August 4, 2018 at his residence in Van Buren, Mo. He had attained the age of sixty-four years, five months, and seventeen days.
Randy was a lifelong resident of Van Buren. He began working at his family's Chevrolet dealership as a boy and was the service and parts manager for 40 years as well as running the towing service there. When the dealership closed, many customers had never taken their vehicle to anyone else for repair. He was known as "Mr. Goodwrench" and always went out of his way to help customers get back on the road. Randy then joined in the family lumber and hardware business with his son and daughter in law where he worked until his health declined.
Randy served his community as a city alderman for 9 years and as Mayor for 2 ½ years. He was also serving on the Board of Trustees at Three Rivers College which he had been a member of since 2009. He cared deeply about his community and always strived to make it a better place. He was honored to serve as trustee as his father had.
Music played a major part of Randy's life. He started playing drums in school and was in bands from then on. From the "Country Memories" to "The NLT Band" he loved playing with his band mates. He was also a part of the praise and worship group at First Baptist Church where he was an active member. He never missed church until he was physically unable to go. Randy had a vast knowledge of all types of music and passed that passion on to his children.
Another passion that he enjoyed was racing. A "motor head" from early on, he passed this torch on to his son. They spent many hours at the drag strip with Randy as the crew chief. Racing became a family affair and great memories were made.
Randy was an avid baseball and softball fan. He helped coach his son in little league and his granddaughter in softball. He loved the game and traveled many miles to watch his kids play.
Generally a quiet and reserved person, Randy was also very wise and a great conversationalist. He loved to tell stories about the good old days. He had a unique sense of humor and always found a way to make people smile.
Randy worked hard all of his life to provide for his family which was his greatest priority. He cared deeply for others and was kind hearted and generous. His faith in God stayed strong throughout many adversities, and we know he is in heaven now. He was known by many and a void will be left by his passing. Randy will be remembered as a humble and gracious man who left us too soon.
In November of 1972, he was united in marriage to Kathy Ward and to this union, a daughter and son were born.
Randy is survived by one daughter; Holly and Vince Holt of Van Buren, Mo; one son, Heath and Amanda Grassham and one granddaughter,
Hadley Grassham all of Van Buren, Mo; another grandchild on the way; and many relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Randy was preceded in death by one brother, Tony Grassham and one sister, Diana Grassham.
Visitation will begin for the public at 6 p.m. Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at the First Baptist Church in Van Buren, Mo., with the Funeral Service being held Thursday, August 9, 2018 at 10 a.m. in the Church Chapel. Rev. Ron Robinson will be Officiating. Burial: Van Buren City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Grassham Memorial Scholarship Fund at Three Rivers College: Three Rivers Endowment Trust 2080 Three Rivers Blvd. Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
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