Carl Allen Grider

Carl Allen Grider, age 83, of Greenfield, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, October 13, 2022 in his home surrounded by family. He was born January 16, 1939 to John and 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 Company 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, Missouri. The Lord blessed them with 63 wonderful years together, living all their married life in Greenfield, Missouri. 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 and Edna (Everett) Grider and his stepmother, Thora (Arbogast) Grider; siblings, John Everett Grider of Prescott, Arizona; Jerry Grider of Kansas City, Missouri; Charles Grider of Highpoint, North Carolina; and brother-in-law Carl White of Wichita, Kansas.

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

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at the First Christian Church of Greenfield. Burial followed in Greenfield Cemetery. The family received friends on Tuesday morning at 10 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 were under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.