Harry William Grider

Harry William Grider, 84, of Olathe, KS, passed away on June 26th.

Harry was born to Francis Cecil and Georgia Grider on September 10, 1936, in Bismarck, MO. He graduated from Bonner Springs High School in 1955. Upon graduation he worked in various jobs around Bonner Springs, before landing at Western Electric/AT&T in Merriam, KS. Harry joined the Navy Reserves in 1956 and retired proudly after 20 years of service.

On September 6, 1957, Harry married the love of his life, Sheila Kay Troutner.  They had two children and resided in Olathe, KS.

Harry worked for Western Electric for over 30 years, taking early retirement in 1987 to follow his love of travel.  Some of the many places Harry visited were Hawaii, Australia and Germany.  He also traveled to all 50 states via Amtrak, which allowed him to take in the scenery, and historical sites.

Harry was a talker, and loved to share historical facts, as well as tell stories about his family and growing up on the family farm in Bismarck.  He was proud of his ancestry and spoke frequently of growing up on the farm during his early years, and was equally proud of Grider Road, which also features the family cemetery.

Harry is preceded in death by his parents; by his wife, Sheila Kay Grider; and by his daughter, Deann Kay Martin. He is survived by his son James Grider (Sandra), of McKinney, TX; and five grandchildren, Thomas Martin (Kathy), Zach Martin, Robin Martin, Makenzie Grider and Alyssa Grider.

Please join us in a celebration of Harry’s life Friday, July 2, 2021, at 12:00 p.m., Johnson County Funeral Chapel & Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66210.