Clement Junior “Griff” Griffith

Clement Junior “Griff” Griffith

Washington

Clement Junior “Griff” Griffith, age 93, of Washington, Iowa, passed away Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the United Presbyterian Home in Washington, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the United Presbyterian Church, Washington, Iowa, with Chaplain Andrew Zuehlke and Missionary Rick Osborn officiating. Calling hours will begin 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 16 at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will be present to receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. A private interment with military honors will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington, Iowa. A luncheon will be served at the church following the families return from the cemetery. Memorials have been established for Hospice of Washington County. The funeral service can be live streamed at UPCWASH.org. Online condolences may be sent for Clem’s family at www.jonesfh.com

Griff was born January 10, 1931, in Washington County, Iowa, the son of Clement Elias and Cora Mabel (Kleese) Griffith. Griff was a member of the West Chester United Methodist Church from 1933 until 1951. He graduated from West Chester High School in 1949 and attended the Iowa Success Business School in Ottumwa, Iowa. For the rest of his days, he couldn’t pass by his high school alma mater without a tongue-in-cheek hand over his heart. Griff was united in marriage to Vivian L. Luers on May 15, 1951, in West Chester, Iowa. Griff served honorably in the United States Army from January of 1951 until October of 1952 in the Korean Conflict.

Griff and family lived in West Burlington, Iowa, where he managed the Eclipse Lumber Company from 1953 until 1959. After moving to Keithsburg, Illinois, Griff managed the Anderson Lumber Company from 1959 until 1961. He was then the owner and operator of Griffith Home Supply for 25 years. He was a longtime member and officer of the Lions Club in Keithsburg, Illinois. Griff was also a stalwart member of the Keithsburg United Methodist Church from 1954 until 1987 where he served as a Lay Leader. He served as the Executive Director of Vashti Village in Aledo, Illinois, for 10 years. Griff and Vivian moved to Washington, Iowa, in December 1998. In his retirement Griff worked for Statler Construction Company for 10 years, and was a member of the United Presbyterian Church. His favorite Bible verse was Psalm 118:24 and he exemplified rejoicing in each day. He enjoyed taking walks and playing golf. Optimism, whistled tunes (and if you were lucky, donuts), accompanied him each time he carried his tool box and offered his extensive skillset that was certain to find a fix for family, friends and anyone in need. Griff’s wit and true servant’s heart were blessings to all around him. He created joy for others whether he was boating, making homemade ice cream or as a voracious competitor each time he played Farmer’s Rummy, Maneuvers, or dominos.

He is survived by his sweetheart of 72 years, Vivian of Washington, Iowa; son Terry (Teresa) Griffith of Manchester, Iowa; daughter Brenda (Rick) Osborn of Bradenton, Florida; daughter Gina (Michael) Hill of Ankeny, Iowa; son Jeffrey (Melissa) Griffith of Palm Coast, Florida; 13 grandchildren; and 38 great-grandchildren. Griff is also survived by his sister, Patricia Dusenbery of Washington, Iowa.

Griff was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers: Paul, Donald, Jack and Ted.