Don Griffin's Obituary
Donald John Griffin, son of Mack Arther and Lillie White Griffin, was born, May 24, 1913 in St. Joseph, Missouri. He departed this life, Friday, September 10, 2010, in Lake Regional Hospital, Osage Beach, Missouri at the age of ninety-seven years, three months and seventeen days. On May 27, 1945 in Kansas City, Kansas, he was united in marriage to Naomi Ruth Winfrey. Together they shared sixty-five years of marriage. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jack Griffin and three sisters, Margaret Tucker, Patricia Snapp and Norma Miles. Survivors include his loving wife, Naomi Griffin of the home, a sister, June Harmon of Syracuse, New York and a host of nephews, a niece, other relatives and many friends. Don was raised in St. Joseph, Missouri and was a graduate of Central High School in St. Joseph. He attended Platt Guard Business College and became a draftsman. He and Naomi moved to Kansas City, Kansas where he worked for Boeing Aircraft. In 1946, he began a career with Panhandle Eastern that spanned until his retirement in 1972. They moved to the lake full time later that same year. He was a model air plane enthusiast and was a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. He traveled to many model air craft events throughout the country. As a child, he excelled the Boy Scout program. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and wood working. He was a loving husband, brother and uncle and a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and will treasure the memories he created for his family and friends. Being stricken with Polio as a child, Don credits Shriners Hospitals for Children for giving him the ability to function. The family requests memorial donations be made to this organization to continue their efforts to help children.
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