Extracted from The Idaho Statesman (Boise, ID)
Saturday, August 11, 2007

Leon ``Lonnie'' Grisham

Leon ``Lonnie'' Grisham Long-time resident and public servant, Leon M. (Lonnie) Grisham died on July 28, 2007 in Evansville, Ind. at the home of his son.

Lonnie was born on Nov. 25, 1921 in Natchez, Miss. He graduated from the Univ. of Texas with a degree in electrical engineering. Following graduation, he enlisted in what is now the U.S. Air Force and became a fighter pilot during W. W. II. He was stationed in England as part of the 78th Fighter Group flying P47 and P51 Mustang fighter planes. As a result of his great heroism during numerous air battles and while a POW, Lonnie was awarded the Legion of Merit, two purple hearts, the Distinguished Service Medal, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, several bronze stars and several silver stars.

After service during the Korean War, Lonnie retired at the age of 51 with the rank of Colonel. Lonnie moved to Boise and immediately became involved in the community. He served as Mayor Dick Eardley's Administrative Assistant during most of Eardley's administration. Lonnie was elected for multiple terms to the Boise School District Board of Trustees. In addition, he served on the Greater Boise Chamber of Commerce for 10 years and was the president's advisor for the Boise Council on Aging.

He was a member of the Treasure Valley Certified Development Corporation, was the operations office for Ada County Civil Defense, and helped raise funds for the Silver Sage Girl Scout Council. In 1973 Lonnie joined Capital City Kiwanis Club. He served as President in 1984-85 and Division 6 Lt. Governor in 1991-92. He was instrumental in the formation of two Kiwanis Clubs in the Treasure Valley and brought almost 90 new members to Kiwanis. He was affectionately known as ``Mr. Kiwanian.''

In his final years, Lonnie spent time with his son, Rick and his family in Evansville, Ind. His children Anne Louise Miller, Rick Grisham, Robert Grisham, wife Sharon, his brother William Grisham and eight grandchildren survive him.