Joe E. Grissom

Joe E. Grissom, 86, of Frankfort, passed away Monday, March 18, 2024, at his residence surrounded by family.  He was born on October 17, 1937, in Fayette County, Illinois to Joseph Harold and Agnes Virginia (Trueblood) Grissom.  He married Barbara Jane Bundy on September 8, 1956, in Philadelphia, Indiana and she survives.

Joe was a 1956 graduate of New Palestine High School.  He worked several years in the grocery business as general manager of Ranch Supermarket and then owner of Smilin Joe’s Supermarket.  He then worked as Executive Vice President and COO of Pinto Horse Association of America from 1988 until his retirement in 2004 and remained as a consultant to PtHA.  He founded and was president of the Color Breed Council.  He is a member of Kilmore United Methodist church and formerly attended St. Matthew United Methodist Church and was a member of United Methodist Men, Philadephia Fire Department where he served as Chief, Executive Committee of Indiana Saddle Horse Association, Past President of the Indiana Pinto Horse Association, and a life member and wall of fame inductee to the Pinto Horse Association of America. 

Along with his wife of 67 years, Joe is survived by his children, Jane (Ron) Gholson, Michael (Missy) Grissom, and Susan (Keith) Newhart; sister, Jeri (John) Kennedy; seven grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bob and Tom; and sister, Judy.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 22, 2024, from 4-7pm at Day & Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort, Indiana.  Funeral service will be held at 10am, Saturday, March 23 at the funeral home.  Pastor Craig Overman will officiate.  Entombment will follow at Green Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s behalf to Joe Grissom Pinto Youth Scholarship through the Pinto Heritage Foundation, 7330 NW 23^rd St., Bethany, OK 73008.  Messages of condolence may be left at www.dayandgenda.com.

An additional memorial service will be held, Monday, June 10, 2024, at Pinto World Championship Horse Show in Tulsa, OK.