Willard Clinton Griffin

Willard Clinton 'Bert' Griffin was born on Friday, December 30, 1921, in Burlingame, Kansas. He was the son of Willard Harris and Vesta (Mundy) Griffin. Bert lived in the Williamsburg, Kansas area until moving to Pomona in 1950, where he made his home, until his death on Saturday, February 18, 2006, at the age of eighty-four years. Bert attended schools in Williamsburg. He was a hard worker and dedicated to caring for his family. He worked in coal mines for thirteen years. After moving to Pomona, he was a self-employed carpenter, building houses, until retiring in the early 1980's. His retirement years were devoted to fishing and time with his grandchildren. Bert served in the United States Army with the 235th Engineer Combat Battalion from February of 1945 until January of 1946, as a carpenter. He received decorations and citations including the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. On March 1, 1941, Bert was united in marriage with Dorothy Louise Ashburn in Garnett, Kansas. She preceded him in death on April 12, 1978. Mr. Griffin is also preceded in death by his parents; sister, Edith Reed; and five brothers, Ross Griffin, Kenneth Griffin, Maynard Griffin, Howard Griffin, and Graden Griffin. He is survived by his daughter, Gloria Farris and her husband, Alvin, of Salina, Kansas; two sons, Larry Griffin and his wife, Sandra, of Pomona, Kansas, Phillip Griffin of Pomona, Kansas; sister, Ruth Yockey and her husband, Floyd, of Osage City, Kansas; two brothers, William Griffin and his wife, Clara, of Pomona, Kansas, Darrell Griffin and his wife, Darlene, of Ottawa; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and companion, Lou Chilson. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary, 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 22, 2006. IN STATE: Mr. Griffin will lie in state after 9:00 A.M. Tuesday at the Dengel & Son Mortuary until service hour, where the family will meet with friends from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. Wednesday prior to the funeral service. CEMETERY: Woodlawn Cemetery, Pomona, Kansas. MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the Franklin County Cancer Foundation or Midland Hospice, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary 235 S. Hickory Ottawa, Ks 66067.