Warren Griffith

Funeral services for Warren Melvin Griffith, 89, of Clarksville were held Monday, September 21, 2009 at the Calumet Presbyterian Church at Clarksville. Pastors Steve and Donna Doan officiated. Eulogy was given by grandson, Don Griffith, who has been his primary caregiver for the past few months. Visitation was held on Sunday, September 20, 2009 from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Collier Funeral Home in Louisiana. Burial was in the Buffalo-Jordan Cemetery at Louisiana. Mr. Griffith died Thursday, September 17, 2009 at his home in rural Clarksville. He was born July 23, 1920 at his home in Calumet Valley, Clarksville to Warren Wamsley Griffith and Ethel Humphrey Griffith. He met his beloved Lula Beth on a blind date while both were attending University of Missouri. They were married On March 15, 1941. They were true soul mates and best friends and enjoyed 68 years of married bliss together. He is survived by their four children, Warren Melvin Griffith, Jr. and wife Sue, Elizabeth Kannegiesser and husband Dr. Hartmut Kannegiesser, Dennis Griffith, Sr. and wife Peggy, and Philip Griffith and wife Wilma; 17 grandchildren; and 34 great-grandchildren and Carrie, his Jack Russell Terrier and companion. Family was always important to him and he played an integral part in all their lives, sharing his love and support and wisdom. He kept up with each of them and their many activities and took great pride in their accomplishments. His Church, Calumet Presbyterian, was also a priority in his life. He and Lula Beth both had a strong faith which was a strength in their relationship and guided how they lived. Melvin was the oldest male member both in age and membership. For many years he taught Sunday School and was an elder. He was a delegate to General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church and was Moderator of Kirk Presbytery. Melvin went to Calumet School, a one room school for eight years. Determined to go to high school he enrolled in Louisiana High School. One year his mode of transportation was by horseback. After graduation, he enrolled in the School of Agriculture at the University of Missouri. The draft for soldiers for W.W. II interrupted his education and he served two years in the Army Air Force as a gunnery instructor. After his discharge he returned to MU but again schooling was interrupted. Due to his father’s illness, he was needed to return home and assist the farming operation. His father bought the Carroll farm which they had farmed for 31 years. It was divided into three pieces of ground. Melvin and Lula Beth built a home on one of these pieces of ground where they raised their four children. Melvin loved the rural life on the farm he owned for about 60 years. Melvin’s occupational pursuits were varied. He worked for Bectol McCone Parsons who built what is now known as Hercules. He was a timekeeper when what is now Bunge was built. For many years he worked for Farm Supply as a John Deere and Purina salesman and also operated the Farm Supply Elevator for several years. He owned Green’s Office Supply. He was a representative for Equitable Insurance Company and also sold real estate for Marmac Realty. Melvin was an active Rotarian, being the oldest and most senior member. He was named Rotarian of the Year in 2003 and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He served as President of the Boncl School Board and was a Director of the Ruth Jensen Village Board. Reading, watching sports on television and playing Rook and Pinochle were some of his favorite pastimes. He and Lula Beth also enjoyed traveling across the country. He will be sorely missed by family and friends but we know he is in a happier place and re-united with the love of his life. Pallbearers were grandsons: Brent Griffith, Jeff Kannegiesser, Scott Griffith, Don Griffith, Dennis Griffith, Kirk Griffith, Ryan Kannegiesser and Jacob Griffith. Memorials may be made to Pike County Home Health and Hospice in care of Collier Funeral Homes, Inc. 117 Barnard Drive, Louisiana, MO 63353.

Warren Griffith

July 23, 1920 - September 17, 2009