Seth T. “Buddy” Griffin, Jr.
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Memorial services for Seth T. “Buddy” Griffin, Jr., of Lawrence will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 1, 2017, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., Friday, at the mortuary.
Seth T. Griffin, Jr., died at St. Luke’s Hospital on August 26, 2017, at age 91. Seth, or “Buddy” as many knew him, was a lifelong member of the agricultural community surrounding Lawrence. He was born on the family farm on February 5, 1926, the third child of Erma Karnes Griffin and Seth T. Griffin, Sr. He and his sisters, Dorothy and Ethel Mae, attended Fairview Elementary School, Lawrence Junior High, and Lawrence Memorial High School. At the age of 28, Buddy was drafted into the army. He took his army training at Fort Riley, Kansas, and then served in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Returning home after the army, Buddy got a job as a Lawrence fireman. The day-on-day-off fireman’s work schedule allowed him to work the family farm as well. In 1985, he retired from the Fire Department after thirty years and devoted himself to the farm, where he worked until he was hospitalized on August 8, 2017. The farm was where Buddy was most spiritual.
Buddy belonged to many groups during his lifetime, but his family and community were the most important to him.
Buddy is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Verma Jewell Griffin, whom he married on September 30, 1955, in Columbus, Mississippi, and by two daughters, Teresa Frances Griffin Guntert of Lawrence and Betty Sue Griffin Palmer of Holt, Missouri. Three grandchildren, the sons and daughter of Teresa and David Guntert (deceased), also survive him: Jordan Schyler Guntert of Lawrence, Ehern David Guntert of Dallas, Texas, and Tayler Frances Guntert of Aurora, Colorado. He is survived by four nieces and nephews. Linda Renner of Longbeach, California, and Larry Akin of Lawrence and Eudora are the children of Dorothy and Tom Akin. Nancy Jo Kazmaier of Owings, Maryland, and Gary White of Overland Park are the children of Ethel Mae and Harold White. Larry and Nancy Jo each have two children.
Memorials may be made in his name to the American Heart Association. They may be sent care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
To the Griffin family, I am very much miss this guy. He was kinda like the Fairveiw area uncle to me. always enjoyed visitin with him, and loved his old storys. On the bright side he and my dad are probably telling stories togather now. God bless your family.
To the Griffin family, sorry to hear of Buddy’s passing. Condolences to all.
I will keep the Griffin family in my thoughts & prayers. God bless
Betty Sue, my heart and prayers are with you and your family. What a fantastic man. Please hug mom for me!
Verma and Family,
May GOD replace the sadness with happy memories of a GREAT Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather, known to me as “Griffey”… He was such a Terrific Friend, as well as a Co-worker on the fire department. The memories I have of riding the rear jump seat on Engine 16, out of Station 2 with “Griffey” at the wheel was always an adventure. He was such a kind and caring man, and a man you always knew where you stood with him. He will be sadly missed by many. I pray GOD comforts each of you during this time of deep sorrow.
We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.. my family was similiar, in years of parents marriage, two daughters, we all grew up in that ole Harper neighborhood. GOD bless you all.. from the Ottinger family
Christian and I will miss waiving at Buddy in his garage. He always gave us a big wave when we were at Grammy’s house.
Death is a pain no one can heal
Life is a memory no one can steal
Will miss the red truck leaving on time every morning, sorry for your loss.