Carl Grider

(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

Carl Allen Grider, age 83, of Greenfield, MO, passed away on October 13th, 2022 in his home surrounded by family. He was born January 16, 1939 to John & Edna (Everett) Grider and was the youngest of their five children.

Carl was a 1957 graduate of Greenfield High School. After graduating, he went to work in Kansas City for a short while where he decided that the city life was not for him. He returned to Greenfield and worked at Greenfield Lumber Company in 1957 as an assistant manager. In 1971 he went to work as a telephone technician for Contel/GTE Phone Co for 22 years and retired in 1993.

On August 8, 1959, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Darlene Sorden, of Lockwood, MO. The Lord blessed them with 63 wonderful years together, living all their married life in Greenfield, MO. They were also blessed with two sons, Roger Lynn and Greg Allen. His sons were so special to him and each of them carry on some of his best characteristics.

Carl enjoyed nature, making walking sticks, camping, and traveling with family and their special friends, “The Couples.” He was so proud of his family and loved them so very much. At family gatherings, before blessing the meal, he would often look at Darlene and joke about how it was their fault we were all there. He loved dessert and would often ask for a little of everything. He gave the best hugs and hand squeezes and had a calming presence that will be missed tremendously.

Carl was saved at an early age at Mt. Olive Christian Church. In 1969 he became a member of the First Christian Church in Greenfield. His love for the church meant a great deal to him. He was a faithful attendant and served as Board Chairman, Property Chairman, Trustee and as an Elder through the years.

Carl also felt very blessed to have had the opportunity to spread the gospel by singing southern gospel music with the New Disciples Quartet for 30 years. Most Sunday evenings were spent sitting around a card table in his home with the quartet practicing or singing out. They were privileged to travel and sing at hundreds of events and churches over their career. The songs of the New Disciples Quartet are known by Carl’s family and friends and the peace that listening to their recordings and hearing his smooth baritone voice brings is immeasurable.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, John & Edna (Everett) Grider and his stepmother, Thora (Arbogast) Grider, siblings, John Everett Grider of Prescott, AZ, Jerry Grider of Kansas City, MO, Charles Grider of Highpoint, NC and brother-in-law Carl White of Wichita, KS.

Carl is survived by his wife, Darlene; his two sons, Roger & wife Pam of Bolivar, MO, Greg & wife Pamela of Greenfield, MO; 7 grandchildren, Jason Cooper of Bolivar, MO, Tesa Davis & husband Timothy of Kansas City, KS, Tanya Tiller & husband Adam of Greenfield, MO, Peyton Carel & husband Matt of Walnut Grove, MO, Fable Painter & husband Mason of Bolivar MO, Loganne Hickman & husband Jon of South Greenfield, MO, and Landon Grider & wife Briana of Bolivar, MO; 15 great-grandchildren, Tynlee & Trey Davis, Brendon, Hayden & Mason Keithley, Rally & Westlyn Carel, Maiden, Ollis & Millie Painter, Ellee, Preslee & Chesnee Hickman, & Denym & Theryn Grider; sister, Maysel White of Wichita, KS, sister-in-law, Carolyn Grider of Kansas City, MO, and sister-in-law Virginia Grider of Prescott, AZ along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends who were more like family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at the First Christian Church of Greenfield. Burial will follow in Greenfield Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. until service time in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church of Greenfield. Online condolences may be shared at www.greenfieldfuneralchapel.com. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.