David Leroy Griffin, 88, of Natoma, KS died at Hays Medical Center on December 20, 2023. He was married to Barbara (Koehler) for 68 years.
Born on June 4, 1935 at the Laton Family Farm in Rooks County, Kansas to Melvin and Berniece (Manley) Griffin, he was one of six children. Among the titles of Son and Brother, he was also a beloved Husband, Father, Grandad, Great-Grandad and Friend.
David married Barbara on April 10, 1955. They moved from Kansas to Colorado in 1966 where they owned a ranch in Carbondale, CO and later owned Valley Feed and Supply in Eagle, CO. He was a farmer/rancher for the majority of his life. David was also active in the Colorado Civil Air Patrol for 35 years attaining the rank of Captain. He spent many hours searching for downed aircraft. The group efforts saved many lives in the snow covered mountains of Colorado. Always giving God the glory for every find. In 1997, they moved back to Natoma, KS. Upon retirement, they served for Laborers For Christ and worked on 15 projects over a span of 12 years. David’s faith was a huge part of his life and all who knew him knew that God was his compass in life. He also served the Natoma community as he worked on many projects in town and was active with the Natoma Heritage Seekers. David and Barbara were given the Community Appreciation Award by the Lions Club on September 2, 2019.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Berniece; his siblings Samuel, Barbara and Donald; his daughter Teresa. Surviving David is his wife, Barbara; their children Dave and Cheryl Griffin, Tim and Lorie Griffin; his siblings, Evelyn Kee and Bernita Schneider; grandchildren Jon and Laura Kennedy, Ben Kennedy, Josh and Erin Kunkel, Danielle Kunkel, Tonya and Mitch Mosel, Jessie and Blake Smidt, Tyler and Meghan Griffin, Jason and Cora Griffin, Shayla and Lucas Goossen, Shandra Griffin and Jared Griffin; great-grandchildren Ben, Andrew, Jonny, Isabella, Allison, Mackenzie, Lane, Ladd, Jaxon, Samuel, Belle, Jem and Patricia; along with countless additional family and friends that will miss him dearly. David’s service will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 10:30am at Peace Lutheran Church in Natoma, KS. Burial will follow at the Natoma Cemetery. Visitation and viewing will be held from 9:00 AM to Services at the Church, Wednesday, December 27, 2023. Memorials have been established with the Natoma Heritage Seekers or The Lutheran Hour. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.