In Memory Of
Harold Darrow Griffin
Harold Darrow Griffin
Harold "Lefty" Darrow Griffin, 91, Topeka, passed away on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at Lexington Park Nursing Home.
Harold was born April 10, 1918 in Topeka, the son of Henry Hazelwood and Eleanor (Darrow) Griffin. He attended Topeka schools and graduated from Highland Park High School in 1938. While in high school he was All-Conference all 3 years in Football and Basketball, and was also a Track Champion. As a young man, he trapped and sold fur with his dad.
He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II from 1941-1943. He was a Crew chief on B-27 and B-17 airplanes. He was also involved with the Glider program.
Lefty was a self employed painting contractor, starting in 1947. He was also employed by KP&L for almost 25 years as a Maintenance Painter, and retired in 1980. Lefty was one of the few painters considered a Master Mechanic Painter. He was also was a very good bowler. In years past he use to Pot Bowl back in the day, and also won Team League Championships. More recently he bowled in the Senior Leagues at Gage Bowl, winning Trophies there. He was an excellent fisherman and hunter. If he wasn't working, you could bet he was fishing. He even took up golf at age 65, so he could be with his son. He has an Eagle to his credit.
He always greeted everyone with a "Hi Neighbor" for guys or a "Hi Sweetie" for gals. One thing about Lefty was you always knew where you stood. He was a member of First Southern Baptist Church for many years. Thanks for being such a Great dad and always being there for me. Love Ronnie.
Lefty married Avis Lorene Hailey on June 16, 1940 in Topeka. She passed away June 17, 2000. Survivors include son, Ronald D. (Sue) Griffin, Topeka; grandchildren, Michelle R. (Josh) Jones, Topeka, Kimberly D. (Jose) Cervantes, Topeka, Michael D. Griffin, Lenexa; great grandchildren, Peighton, Addison & Greyson Jones, Christian Cervantes; and half brother, David Griffin and family.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 22, 2010 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. Lefty will lie in state at the funeral home after 2:00 p.m. on Sunday and visitation will be from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka Rescue Mission, PO Box 8350, Topeka, Kansas 66608.
Harold was born April 10, 1918 in Topeka, the son of Henry Hazelwood and Eleanor (Darrow) Griffin. He attended Topeka schools and graduated from Highland Park High School in 1938. While in high school he was All-Conference all 3 years in Football and Basketball, and was also a Track Champion. As a young man, he trapped and sold fur with his dad.
He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II from 1941-1943. He was a Crew chief on B-27 and B-17 airplanes. He was also involved with the Glider program.
Lefty was a self employed painting contractor, starting in 1947. He was also employed by KP&L for almost 25 years as a Maintenance Painter, and retired in 1980. Lefty was one of the few painters considered a Master Mechanic Painter. He was also was a very good bowler. In years past he use to Pot Bowl back in the day, and also won Team League Championships. More recently he bowled in the Senior Leagues at Gage Bowl, winning Trophies there. He was an excellent fisherman and hunter. If he wasn't working, you could bet he was fishing. He even took up golf at age 65, so he could be with his son. He has an Eagle to his credit.
He always greeted everyone with a "Hi Neighbor" for guys or a "Hi Sweetie" for gals. One thing about Lefty was you always knew where you stood. He was a member of First Southern Baptist Church for many years. Thanks for being such a Great dad and always being there for me. Love Ronnie.
Lefty married Avis Lorene Hailey on June 16, 1940 in Topeka. She passed away June 17, 2000. Survivors include son, Ronald D. (Sue) Griffin, Topeka; grandchildren, Michelle R. (Josh) Jones, Topeka, Kimberly D. (Jose) Cervantes, Topeka, Michael D. Griffin, Lenexa; great grandchildren, Peighton, Addison & Greyson Jones, Christian Cervantes; and half brother, David Griffin and family.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 22, 2010 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. Lefty will lie in state at the funeral home after 2:00 p.m. on Sunday and visitation will be from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka Rescue Mission, PO Box 8350, Topeka, Kansas 66608.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Harold Darrow Griffin, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Sunday, March 21, 2010
3:00 - 5:00 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Service
Monday, March 22, 2010
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
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