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Henry Harrison "Jack" Grandstaff, 93, his work finished in this world, closed his eyes and quietly slipped away to "elope" once again, with his beloved wife to the Lord's house. Jack was born December 6, 1926 in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Roy and Francis Grandstaff. He married the love of his life, Bobbie Jean Freeman on May 2nd, 1947 in Fort Gibson, OK. Jack was preceded in death by wife, Bobbie Jean, Father, Roy Grandstaff, Mother, Francis Grandstaff, Sisters Emma Grandstaff, Nellie Beachly, and Katherine Gough, brother Roy Grandstaff, and cousin Bill Riggs, a true brother. He is survived by daughter Kitty Jean Grandstaff, son Bruce Alan Grandstaff, cherished caregiver and best friend, Pamela Larson. Also surviving Jack are numerous nephews and nieces who will cherish memories of their "Uncle Jack".
Jack was allowed to graduate early from Muskogee High School to serve in the Philippines and Hawaii during WWII. Jack also served in the Korean War, at Castle AFB in California, then Smoky Hill, later named Schilling AFB in Salina, KS. He served in the Army, Army Air Corps and Air force. After being discharged, Jack and Bobbie decided to make Salina their home, lasting over 40 years until retirement. Jack was a distinguished 70 year member of the Masonic Lodge.
Jack was an incredibly hard worker. He was skilled as an automotive "paint and body" man, but Jack's ambitions lead him to a career in automobile sales with Sid Bacon Dodge dealership in Salina KS. He briefly sold cars at Jim Sullivan's dealership as well. His entrepreneurial spirit kicked in and he and Bobbie began investing every dime into Real Estate. They first bought a duplex where the young family lived in one side and rented the other. From his humble beginnings, a remarkable career in real estate began. Jack became a real estate salesman for the Wenger Agency before obtaining his Brokers license and starting his own real estate brokerage. Grandstaff Agency became a well known company in town with several agents working for the firm. Profits were always invested in buying more real estate. Usually investing in residential apartments and houses, he bought and sold commercial properties as well. With a successful brokerage ongoing, Jack formed a partnership with is best friend, Ray Lindenmuth and together they redeveloped property in Salina into apartments. He cherished that partnership and friendship until death.
With the brokerage and apartments doing well, Jack added a building company. He built homes and apartments throughout Salina with Ron Spreaker and then Jim Andrew. Jack was proud of his reputation of honesty and integrity. In 1972 he served as President of the Salina Board of Realtors. He was recognized by the Salina Multiple listing Service, Inc. for his leadership.
Jack's entire family obtained their real estate licenses with son Bruce passing the exam at 19 yrs. old. Grandstaff Rentals was established in 2013 as a "family partnership" and is actively acquiring new investment property today.
Jack not only taught his family how to work hard, but to play hard as well. He loved to fish and became an avid tennis player. He became known at Milford Lake as "Catfish Jack" and enjoyed competitive double tennis matches with dear friends Warren and Margaret Schmidt. Jack and Bobbie also square danced and were members of the "Salina Twirlers".
During Jack and Bobbie's retirement, they sold their home at Milford Lake and moved to Cedar Creek Lake in Texas, to be closer to family. Moving into the golf course community of Star Harbor, TX, they soon picked up clubs and started hitting the ball, and eventually they played in weekly golf scrambles and numerous tournaments. They were active members of First Christian Church in Athens, TX.
Above all, Jack loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his Church. He served in numerous positions within the First Christian Church.
A "controlled" visitation will be held at First Christian Church, 900 Robbins Rd, Athens, TX 75751 Thursday May 14th from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. The family will be present. Social distancing will be observed; cotton masks and sanitizer will be available to ensure the safest environment possible.
Graveside service will be Saturday, May 16 at 11:00 am in Muskogee, Oklahoma
at:
Memorial Park Cemetery, 7600 Old Taft Road, Muskogee, Oklahoma 74401.
After burial the family is planning a caravan around Muskogee, highlighting spots that were memorable and dear to Jack. Ending at Honor Heights Park, a BBQ sandwich sack lunch is planned. This is what Bobbie and Jack did for their wedding dinner when they first eloped in 1947.
If you would like to light a candle or leave a message of condolence to the
family,
Go to www.carroll-lehr.com
Memorials may be made in Jack's honor to:
The Gideons International
Processing Center
P.O. Box 97251
Washington, DC 20090-7251
To make a
gift by phone, call toll-free 1-866-382-4253
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