Owen Will Grisham

Owen was born October 4, 1924, to the union of Charles and Nancy Grisham in Chicago, Illinois.

After moving to Milwaukee at the age of 2, he received his formal education and graduated from the Milwaukee Public School System.

Owen accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age, where he attended Calvary Baptist Church.  In later years, he joined 1st Methodist Church, which is now known as Central United Methodist Church.  He was a member at Central until his passing.

Owen joined and served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945.  In 1947, he began employment at A.O. Smith Corporation and worked there until his retirement 33 years later.  After retirement, he was the proprietor of the Eleventh Frame Lounge for 9 years.

Owen was married to Gertrude Flowers on August 13, 1955.  This union was blessed with four daughters, Patricia J., Charlotte L., Victoria A. and Wendy K.

Owen belonged to many organizations throughout his lifetime, some of which were the Y’s Mens Club, The Greater Milwaukee Bowling Association, The Milwaukee Travelers, The Milwaukee Bowler’s Guild and was an Inductee in the Milwaukee Bowling Hall of Fame.  He was an avid bowler, belonging to several leagues and traveling and participating in many tournaments.  He also started the first Black junior bowlers league at the YMCA on 12th and Garfield.  Besides bowling, his other hobby was fishing.

Owen was preceded in death by his daughter Victoria Tyler.  He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 62 years, Gertrude, 3 daughters, Patricia (Robert) Roberson, Charlotte Johnson and Wendy (Reginald) Smith, 2 nephews, 3 nieces, 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 8 great great grandchildren, several cousins and a host of fond friends.

Memorial gathering at Krause Funeral Home, 7001 West Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Wednesday, July 25, 2018, from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Memorial service at 12:00 PM.