Wendell Arden Grissom

Wendell Arden Grissom from Paris, Arkansas was taken from this earth on March 20, 2025. He was born October 11, 1968, to Bobbie and Mary Grissom in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Wendell worked as a truck driver. He enjoyed boating, fishing, reading, music and loved riding motorcycles. He earned an associate’s degree in biblical studies from the Omega Bible Institute and Seminary. He was a member of AEGA Ministries International and spent his last years ministering to numerous people through letter writing and poetry. Wendell was preceded in death by his father, Bobbie Grissom, his maternal grandparents, Laverne and Arden Harger, his paternal grandparents Wendell and Opal Grissom, and his best friend Barney Shepard.Wendell is survived by his mother, Mary Grissom in Paris, Arkansas; sisters Tina Hanes and her husband Larry in Conway, AR and Gloria Beckett in Ozark, AR; maternal uncle Charles Harger in Paris, AR, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Wendell left behind many who loved him dearly including his lifetime friend, Vicki Carter; love of his life, Sheri Reiner and many friends who have written and supported him over the years, Mary and Jim Meyer, Sister Mary Clare, Deacon Gerry Scilla, Dina Milito, Verna Bosse, Shaun Bosse and James Ruyle. Sister Mary Clare Buthod read many of Wendell’s writings to her students as lessons. Dina Milito published Wendell’s writings through Minutes Before Six. Mary Meyer was his spiritual advisor and took part in Wendell’s last communion. His letters will be missed by his many pen pals, including Tamsin Wright, Lori Juresch, and Ebony Guesby.Wendell was a loyal son, brother, and friend who believed anything he possessed was meant to give to others. His caring spirit was evident daily. There was nothing he wanted more than to make people happy. He will be missed beyond words. Peace and love to you, Wendell. The Wendell Grissom, who the State of Oklahoma took from us is not the same person who committed the crimes twenty years ago. Wendell had become a deeply reflective spiritual and peaceful man who was well respected by Oklahoma Department of Corrections staff and his fellow inmates. Wendell was acutely aware each day that he stole something from the Matthews and Kopf families that he could never give back. This realization drove him to strive to be a better person. Wendell spent his final years ministering to others and sharing anything he was fortunate enough to have with fellow prisoners without the same resources and support. We remember Wendell as a loyal and caring friend and a devoted son and brother who has spent the past two decades trying to atone for his harmful actions in November 2005. Wendell’s execution perpetuates a cycle of pain and trauma. We hold out hope for a day when we no longer purport to advance justice by taking one life for another.