Jerry L. Griffith
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Jerry L. Griffith of Lawrence, Kansas passed away on March 8, 2022. He was born on July 8, 1919, in Collinsville, Oklahoma to John A. Griffith and Elizabeth Driskell Griffith. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his brother Dr. John Griffith and sisters Celeste Griffith and Margaret Evans. The family moved to Iola, Kansas in 1922 and Jerry graduated from Iola High School in 1936. He attended Iola Junior College for two years, Stetson University in Florida for one year and graduated from the University of Kansas in 1942. He married Dorothy Fournier Durand of Hoisington, Kansas in 1942 and they were married for 57 years at the time of death in 1999.
After completing 1 ½ years of law school at the University of Kansas he enlisted in the U.S. Army and soon after transferred to the U.S. Air Force. After Officers Candidate School, he served as Group Intelligence Officer in the 361st Fighter Group, Eighth Air force and attained the rank of lieutenant. He served as Group Intelligence Officer, combat. He was awarded 6 Bronze Battle Participation Stars and European Africa Middle Eastern Service Ribbon. He was stationed near Cambridge, England and in Belgium and France. He and a portion of his unit were assigned to the European Continent during the Battle of Bulge. Upon his discharge after three years, he’d attained the rank of captain and returned to Lawrence to complete his law degree. He later was appointed a Doctor of Law Degree.
He and Dorothy settled in Hoisington, Kansas, where he practiced law for over forty years. He was the Hoisington city attorney for 30 years, the assistant Barton County attorney for 4 years, the attorney for Hoisington National Bank and the attorney for Clara Barton Hospital. He was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1979, sponsored by Senator Robert Dole.
He is survived by his daughter, Rochelle McKown of Lawrence (Joel McKown, deceased), son, Robert Griffith (partner Eve Neugebauer) of Raymore, Missouri, grandson, Justin Griffith (Elizabeth) of Mequon, Wisconsin, granddaughter, Lindsay D’Agostino (Michael) of Leawood, Kansas, and great-grandchildren, George and Penny Griffith and Lucy and Rose D’Agostino. He leaves behind five nephews and one niece.
He enjoyed sailing, hunting, fishing, raising Arabian horses, crosswords, Jayhawk basketball, woodturning, and playing Scrabble. He was a witty and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and will be greatly missed by his family.
Celebration of Life and inurnment will be in Hoisington, Kansas at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jerry’s name to Clara Barton Hospital, 250 W 9th Street, Hoisington, Kansas, 67544 and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Rochelle and Robbie,
Your father was a great guy – I worked with him many years while I was at Hoisington National Bank. Almost daily had such good conversations. Know that our thoughts are with you both.
Mike and Jozet (Martin) Littrell
Jerry was a fine man with a great sense of humor. I enjoyed knowing him!
Dear Rochelle and Robbie,
I’m sending my condolences. Your father was one of Hoisington’s finest and most accomplished distinguished citizens. May he Rest In Peace, and may his memory be a blessing to your family.
Sincerely,
Dian Deutsch Eller
I took care of Jerry at his home in Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living. In my line of work, we only get to know our residents for a small fraction of their life. In the time I knew Jerry, he was a wonderful man who never failed to make me smile. Although he couldn’t always place my name, he made a conscious effort to learn it and called me by name in his final days. I speak for everyone at PRAL when I say Jerry was a great man and he will be greatly missed by all of us. <3
Rochelle, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. I’ll keep him in my prayers.
Rochelle, Rob and families…we were honored to have been neighbors and knowing this kind and wonderful man. He shared loving stories of his life with us and which enriched our lives. We will always remember this humble man. May God give you peace and comfort in these days. Always in our thoughts. Jerry and Deb Davis
Uncle Jerry taught me woodturning and got my interest going in flying. He flew as my copilot to Portland, Charleston, Las Vegas and several shorter trips. He was quick to grasp tasks and a pleasure to visit with. Enjoyed his accounts of WWII. We will miss him.
Sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He was a kind and thoughtful man who was on the Board of Directors at Hoisington National Bank for many years when I worked there. My sincere condolences to the family.