JERRY W. GRIFFITT
JERRY W. GRIFFITT
Jerry Wilson Griffitt, age 71, of Kahoka, MO, passed away on Friday, June 19, 2020, in KU Medical Center in Kansas City, KS.
Jerry was born December 11, 1948 in Marshall, MO, a son of Frank Wilson and Velma E. Cassels Griffitt.
He graduated from Marshall High School in 1966 and attended Columbia College.
He was a U.S. Army Veteran, proudly serving from 1969 through 1971.
On October 20, 1979, he was united in marriage to Judith Duer in the Kahoka Christian Church.
Survivors include his wife, Judith, of Kahoka; two sons, Joel (Chenda) Griffitt of Blue Springs, MO and Josh (Shelley) Rice of Boonville, MO; three daughters-in-law, Jennifer Rice of Boonville, Leaha Rice of Columbia, and Christine Rice of Boonville; nine grandchildren: Peter Rice of Columbia, Kamryn Rice and Libby and Austin Rice, all of Boonville, Miciah, Eli and Grayson Rice of Columbia, and, Jalen and Cacey Griffitt of Blue Springs, MO; one brother, Roy Jones of Gadsden, AL; two sisters, Pat (Greg) Wise of Arnold, MO, and Ann Winslow of Independence; brother-in-law, Robert Duer of Kahoka; sister-in-law, Margaret (Werner) Lilienthal of The Woodlands, TX; as well as many nieces and nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Kris Rice; and two sisters, Hazel Griffin and Louise Ross.
Jerry was not just a “member” of any organization, but took seriously the stewardship and commitment involved.
He was a faithful member of the Peaksville Christian Church, St. Francisville Chapter # 588, A.F. & A.M. at Wayland, KAABA Shrine of Keokuk, and Herman Blum Post # 192 of the American Legions at Kahoka.
It is no coincidence that each of these organizations exuded a love of God and family and helping and being involved with those in need. “Stewardship” mean’t so much to Jerry.
Jerry was a “people person” and his love for others resulted in many friendships and made him an excellent employee of the V.A. Hospital in Columbia, later as co-owner of J & J Stop and Go, and then in his job at Ball Volvo Trucks, both in Kahoka.
Jerry was able to listen to and encourage many youth in Clark County who stopped by J & J.
Third only to his God and family, was his great love for Alabama Roll Tide.
Anyone that knew Jerry knew about this great love.
He was adamant about and seriously loved his team and the sport of football.
He loved playing golf as well as long as his health permitted.
His camera was always a constant companion and he enjoyed taking pictures and saving the memories.
Jerry was most proud of his family.
Again, if you knew Jerry, you knew his family.
He loved coaching and being involved with the youth in the communities.
Up until the very end he was doing something he loved – helping with J. Rock’s team in KC.
Funeral services together with Military Rites and Masonic/Shriner Rites were held on Friday, June 26, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka with Pastor Shawn McAfee officiating and Joel Griffitt, Eulogist.
Visitation was held on Friday beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Wilson Funeral Home until services at 11:00 a.m.
Memorials are suggested to Peaksville Christian Church, KAABA Shrine of Keokuk, or Herman Blum Post # 192, American Legion.
On-line condolences may be expressed at www.wilsonfuneralservice.com.
Jerry W. Griffitt, served our country for two years, ten months, and twenty-six days in the United States Army.
Acknowledgement of Military Service
The members of the United States Army, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars hereby acknowledge that Jerry Wilson Griffitt served our country for two years, ten months and twenty-six days in the United States Army.
He was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood Missouri. Then served as a Field Artillery Surveyor for two years, and four months with the United States Army Europe, Headquarters Headquarters Battalion (HHB), 2nd Battery, 5th Field Artillery in Germany.
He attained the rank of Specialist 5 (E-5).
He was awarded and authorized to wear the following decorations:
National Defense Service Medal
Sharpshooter Badge- M-14 Rifle
Marksmanship Badge- M-16 Rifle
He was inducted 12 Feb 1969, received an honorable discharge 17 February 1969.
He reenlisted 18 February 1969 receiving a second honorable discharge 7 January 1972 and returned to Carrollton, Missouri.
Specialist 5 Griffitt transferred to the United States Army Reserve serving until 11 February 1975.
He was a ten-year member of the American Legion, five of those with the Herman Blum Post 192, Kahoka, Missouri.
The caissons have been muffled and the flag lowered for our comrade, who joined the staff of the supreme commander 19 June 2020.
At his final post we wish him fair skies and smooth pathways.
