Doan Russell Griffin

Doan Russell Griffin, 81, of Lawrence passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo.

Griff, as he was known by most everyone, was born July 2, 1931 in Buffalo Township, Mo., the son of Ernest and Iva (Grogan) Griffin, both of whom precede him in passing. He was also preceded in passing by a great-grandson, Collin Shipley; and three brothers, Rayburn, Harry and Edgar.

Griff had a great love for his family. In 1952, he married the former Ruth Ewert and she survives, along with a son, William (Robin) Griffin of Harrison, Ark.; two daughters, Jill (Randy) Lowe of Paw Paw and Karen Griffin King of Lawrence; seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Lukas, Paige, Tyler, Erin, Trey and Kristin; and four great-grandchildren, Cade, Chloe, Carter and Josephine. Doan is also survived by a sister, Carolene (Don) Phillips of Florida; two brothers, Jimmie Griffin of Lawrence and Bob (Yvonne) Griffin of Florida; and many nieces and nephews.

Griff was a graduate of Lawrence High School. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1952 and served his country proudly until 1956. He was the owner and operator of Griffin's IGA in Lawrence and drove truck for the Georgia Highway Express for a number of years. He was also a member of the Hess-Eastman Post 174 of Lawrence for more than 50 years.

The family will welcome friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 12, at Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford. The service to honor his memory will commence at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 13, at Lawrence United Methodist Church, with Pastors Cliff Radtke and James Abshagen presiding. A luncheon at the church will follow. Burial will be in Hill Cemetery, Lawrence. Military rites will be performed by Hess-Eastman Post 174. The family requests memorial donations in Doan's name be made to the Hess-Eastman Post 174, the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family are encouraged to do so at our web site at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.