Dr. Larry Grisvard

Dr. Larry E. Grisvard passed away on Nov. 14, 2002. Larry was a retired professor emeritus, director of theater and ombudsman from Southeast Missouri State University for 30 years. After his retirement from Southeast Missouri State University, Larry was a professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in the Communications Department.

Larry received his B.A. from the University of Toledo, M.A. from Bowling Green State University and his Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. He was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and Blue Key Honorary Society, and one of the original members of the Missouri Council of Arts. "Griz" was a proud member of the Scottish St. Andrew Society of Greater St. Louis. He was very proud of the fact he was an original PSL holder for the St. Louis Rams. "Griz" was hoping to see The Ohio State University win the national championship in football this year. We know he will see it from the best seat in the house.

He came to Cape Girardeau in 1959 in the position of director of theater and assistant professor of speech and communications. During this tenure, the speech and theater departments grew not only in size, but programs.

Larry was not only the teacher and director to his students, but many of them found him to be their friend and mentor, and referred to him as "Dr. G." and "Griz."

Dr. Grisvard was also presented with a proclamation from the Missouri House of Representatives.

Larry is survived by his wife of 46 years, Rita Grisvard (nee Konwin) and his three children: Stacia (Jim) Sanders, Christopher Grisvard, and Alexa (Elmer) Buente. He was known as "JaJa" by his seven grandchildren: Wesley, Alicia and Jameson Sanders, Samantha and Spencer Grisvard, Alyssa and Braedon Buente. He is also survived by his parents, Lee and Mabel Grisvard.

Visitation will be on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2002, at Kriegshauser South Mortuary, 4228 S. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63109, from 4 to 8 p.m. A celebration of Mass will be offered Monday, Nov. 18, 2002, at the St. Francis Xavier (College Church) at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. If desired, expressions of sympathy may be made in Dr. Grisvard's memory to Dr. Larry Grisvard BFA Scholarship Fund, One University Plaza, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, Attn: Jane Stacy.

A memorial, in honor of Dr. Larry E. Grisvard, will be held on Nov. 30, 2002, at the Rose Theater located at Southeast Missouri State University.