Herman D. Griffin's Obituary
Herman Dean Griffin was born on December 15, 1939 in Joplin, Missouri, and raised in nearby Frog Pond (Seneca), Missouri, with his parents, brother, and three sisters. He often told stories of life on the farm and his adventures roaming the countryside. He graduated from Seneca High School in 1957.
Herman was a gifted athlete in many sports, but his passion was baseball. The Frog Pond Froggies was his first team. He attended numerous tryouts, including the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Redlegs. He signed with the Reds out of high school, which took him to Florida. His career was shortened by injury and he moved back to Joplin where he met the love of his life, Kay Ann Lawson, at a popular hangout. They were married a short time later, on June 5, 1963.
Herman had a strong work ethic, never shying away from getting his hands dirty. With a young son and daughter at home, Herman began what turned into a 31-year career with Explorer Pipeline company. The family moved to the St. Louis area, then to Greenville, Texas for a couple of years before settling in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma in 1977. Another son was welcomed to the family on Christmas Day in 1982. Herman loved his children and encouraged them in whatever endeavor they wanted to try. Kelly, Kimberly and John were his greatest accomplishments.
With the arrival of grandkids, his world started revolving around them. All seven loved him for his endless attention and willingness to play, attend their school events, or cheer them on in sports. Herman had helped coach all three of his children, whether it was out on the diamond, from the bleachers, or during the car ride home, and continued that same passion with his grandchildren. There was no greater gift than having his family all together with him. Herman and Kay welcomed their first great-grandchild this year and have a second on the way.
The lessons learned and the stories Herman told will forever be with us. Having known Herman is to know empathy, joy, loyalty, integrity, reliability, and trust. His memories and life will live within us forever.
Herman is survived by his wife of 61 years, their son, Kelly (wife Kristi) of Midway, Georgia, daughter, Kimberly of Broken Arrow, son, John, of Broken Arrow, sisters Barbara Ann Wilson of Joplin and Lillie Ruth Shapp of Quapaw, and sister-in-law, Twylla M. Williams (husband Martin) of Joplin. He is preceded in death by his parents, John Herman and Gladys Lee (Guyll), his older brother, Marvin F. Griffin, and older sister, Rosalee J. Helton.
Memorial plans will be determined at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Folds of Honor in Herman’s name.
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