On Thursday, May 26, 2022, the world lost a hardworking family man,
William Lamar “Marty” Grisham, 68, of Marietta, OK. Marty was born
to Patsy Casciel (Johnson) and William Leonard Grisham on December
4, 1953, in Duncan, OK.
Marty was a lifelong area resident and a 1972 Marietta High School
graduate. He continued his education at Cooke County Junior College
and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. In 1978, Marty began his
law enforcement career as a Reserve Police Officer for the Marietta
Police Department. Marty continued his law enforcement career with
the Gainesville, TX Police Department from 1981 until 1986. He was
co-creator of the police motorcycle unit and promoted to the rank of
Sergeant. In 1986, Marty was accepted into the Oklahoma Highway
Patrol (OHP) where he served the citizens of Oklahoma for 28 ½
years. From 1986-1988, he was stationed at Troop G in Cotton County
and then transferred to Troop F. Before retiring in 2014, he spent
15 years in the Marine Enforcement Division. Marty obtained his
advanced certificate in law enforcement. After two years of
retirement, Marty decided to run for Love County Sheriff. He ran
unopposed and took office in November of 2016. After taking office,
Marty brought professionalism and integrity to the Love County
Sheriff’s Department.
Marty married his high school sweetheart, the love of his life,
Linda Arlene Coyle on April 11, 1975, in Marietta. Marty was a
pillar of the community. He assisted with many community events and
was a past Boy Scout Leader of Troop 32. Marty served as a Deacon at
Marietta First Baptist Church. He enjoyed spending time with his
family, going on vacations, and special gatherings. However, nothing
put a brighter smile on his face than being Pawpaw.
Those left behind to cherish his memory are his bride of 47 years,
Linda Grisham; son, Eric Grisham and wife Erica of Marietta;
daughter, Mignon Grisham of Marietta; mother, Patsy Grisham of
Marietta; sister, Jo Ellen Woodall and husband Robert of Lawton, OK;
and grandchildren, Logan, Maddie and Whitley.
Preceding Marty in death is his father, William Leonard Grisham.
Serving as casket bearers will be the OHP Funeral Detail. Honorary
bearers are Love County Sheriff Office, Shady Dale Volunteer Fire
Department, current and retired OHP, Bill Bell, MHS Senior Class of
1972, Powder River Boys, Billy Van Harris, Darrell Brundige, Henry
Burton, Paul Roan, and General Jim Thurman.
Services to celebrate Marty’s Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on
Thursday, June 2, 2022, at the McClain Stadium on the Marietta
Public School campus in Marietta with Lawrence Anderson and OHP
Chaplain Sam Garner officiating, Bro. Brandon Twyford and Sam Porter
assisting, and Eric Grisham personals. Interment will follow at the
Lakeview Cemetery under the direction of Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home
of Marietta. Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 1st from 6:00
p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Marty Grisham Memorial
Scholarship Fund, by dropping/mailing to the funeral home, 100 E
Main Street, Marietta, OK 73448, the National Law Enforcement
Officers Memorial Fund, 444 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 or
https://nleomf.org, or Boy Scout Troop 32 by dropping/mailing to
funeral home.
