Roland "Bud" Griffis (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Roland “Bud” Glen Griffis, son of Myrton and Ervedena Fletcher Giffis, was born July 16, 1931, in Cozad, Nebraska. He departed this life Monday, September 30, 2019, in the Bluffs Nursing Home, in Columbia, Missouri, at the age of eighty-eight years, two months, and fourteen days.
On October 3, 1957, he was united in marriage to Lois Wilson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lois, on August 17, 1989; two brothers, Alfred and Roger; and three sisters, Leona, Alta, and Dorothea.
“Bud”, as he was called by his family and friends, is survived by a daughter, Diana Mellinger, and her husband, Harry, of Colorado Springs, Missouri; a son, Randy Griffis, and his wife, Gay Lea, of La Monte, Missouri; eight grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Alvin Griffis, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was one of six children born to his parents, and was raised in an orphanage. At the age of seventeen, he entered the military and served his country faithfully in the United States Army in the 15th Constabulary Squadron in Germany. He also served in the United States Air Force as an Air Policeman. He retired from the Army after serving in the reserves. He and Lois made their home in the Lebanon, Missouri area, and Bud worked for the Detroit Tool Company in Lebanon, until retiring. Bud and Lois then moved to Sedalia, Missouri, and made their retirement home.
Bud was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lebanon for a number of years, and then attended Our Savior Lutheran Church since moving to Sedalia, Missouri
He was a member of V.F.W. Post # 2591, in Sedalia, and served in their funeral honor guard. He also proudly served as a hospice volunteer for fifteen years, and was named Volunteer of the Year twice. He enjoyed having coffee with his friends in the breakfast club. He also enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family.
Bud was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and know that his family and friends will treasure the wonderful memories he made for them during his lifetime.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, Oct. 12 at 1 p.m. at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Martinsville, Illinois. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon.
What’s your fondest memory of Roland?
What’s a lesson you learned from Roland?
Share a story where Roland's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Roland you’ll never forget.
How did Roland make you smile?