Michael Ray Grissom was born June 9, 1961, in Prague and departed this life Monday, December 12, 2011, in Alva, at the age of 50.

Mike, the son of Dick and Dorthy Walden Grissom, was a life-long resident of Prague.

He married Debbie Friskup on December 22, 1979.

He graduated from Prague High School with the class of 1979, served as President of the Prague Alumni Association and was a big supporter of the Prague Red Devils. Mike loved Prague and was very active in community affairs. He served on the board of Prague Municipal Hospital, served on the City Council, coached little league, volunteered with the Prague Fire Department for 22 years during which time he served as Chief, and was an EMS and Civil Defense volunteer.

He was a loyal member of the Prague United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir and was a devoted follower of Christ. His faith was visible to all who knew him.

Mike and Debbie fostered 30 babies during their nearly 32 year marriage.

Mike loved OU football and fishing, but most of all he loved his family and his job.

His father, Dick Grissom, and grandparents, Jack and Olene Walden, preceded Mike in death.

He is survived by his wife of almost 32 years Debbie Grissom of the home; mother: Dorthy Grissom of Prague; sons and daughters-in-law: Brandon and Beki Grissom of Elgin, Illinois; Tyler and Julie Grissom of Arlington Heights, Illinois; daughter: Kami Dawn Grissom and her special friend, Rick Bates of Prague; brother Dick Grissom, Jr. of Terrilton; sister and brother-in-law: Kathy and Jim Campbell of Haworth; grandchildren Stella Ray Grissom and Ezra Kent Grissom; mother and father-in-law Kent and Judy Friskup of Meeker; brother-in-law Steve Friskup and his wife Robin of Muleshoe, Texas; aunts and uncles Margaret and Delbert Walenta of Prague; Shirley Reed of Yukon; Danny and Glenda Walden of Prague; and many other relatives and a multitude of friends.

Memorials may be made to the Prague Fire Department, 820 N. Jim Thorpe Blvd., Prague, Oklahoma 74864.

The Grissom family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, December 15, 2011 at Parks Brothers Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 16, 2011, at the First Baptist Church in Prague with Rev. Scott Keneda and Bro. Tim Emmons officiating.

Interment will follow at the Little Cemetery in Seminole County.

Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.

A guest book is available to share your memories online.

Published December 14, 2011.