John Griffin Obituary

John Thomas Griffin, 81, Lawrence, KS, passed away June 21, 2017 at University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS.

He was born August 29, 1935 in rural Gardner, KS, the son of Arthur V. Griffin and Leona K. (Meng) Griffin. Tom grew up in the Gardner area, graduating from Gardner High School with the class of 1953. He then graduated from Pittsburg State University in 1958 with a B.S. in Business and Education.

On August 8, 1958, Tom was united in marriage to Beverly A. Kreeger at Independence, Missouri. They have shared over fifty-eight years of devoted marriage.

Tom was a high school business teacher early in his career, teaching in Meriden, KS and Belton, Mo. He then worked in the lost mail division of the Santa Fe Railroad Company, and as an Auditor for Home Insurance. He began a twenty–three year career in 1964 for St. Paul Insurance Company in the risk management department, retiring in 1992. He also started and operated "The Mail Box", Lawrence, KS, with his wife Beverly for four years. In 1993 Tom began his second career that was supposed to be a retirement job, working for Lamb-Roberts Funeral Home, Baldwin City, as a Pre-Need Counselor and Family Services Coordinator, where he was currently still employed.

Tom was an active member of the Church of Christ, Lawrence where he also served as an Elder. He was also a member of the Baldwin City Rotary Club serving for many years as the Treasurer and also was a Paul Harris Fellow recipient, as well as Sunflower Chapter Holiday Ramblers #32 where he also served as Past President. In addition he served on the Board of Directors and was Past President of Handcuff Apartment Complex.

Tom was the consummate family man, but God was his first love. He was a wonderful example for his loved one of how God makes a man better through his word. He deeply loved and cared for his wife Beverly. They loved their camping club and their Friday Ottawa friend's dinner and card game. For 24 years Tom and Beverly travel the country in their RV. Going to 47 states in it and saw all 50 together. He was an animal lover, with many beloved pets during his life. Tom never passed up a good dessert. He enjoyed good food and good time with his loved ones. He was very friendly to anyone and always excited to catch up with friends. All of his travels led him to many places of the world but one of his favorites was his trip with Beverly to Israel. Tom was so excited to walk where Jesus had walked, as he gets to do now in Heaven with his Lord.

Tom is survived by his wife, Beverly Griffin of their home; three sons, John David Griffin (Dee) Olathe, KS, Jeffrey Don Griffin (Dawn) Lawrence, KS, Mark Thomas Griffin (Marvena) Topeka, KS; brother, Charles Griffin (Linda) Estes Park, CO; twin sister, Annette Hays (Tom) Gardner, KS; nine grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Don Griffin; and grandson Sam Griffin.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday June 27, 2017 at the Church of Christ, 201 N. Michigan Lawrence, KS 66044. The family will receive friends 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday June 26, 2017 at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Church of Christ, Lawrence sent c/o Lamb-Roberts Funeral Home, P.O. Box 64, Baldwin City, KS 66006.??Condolences to the family may be sent through www.lamb-roberts.com.