Orval Edwin Griffin's Obituary
Orval Griffin, 89, of Tulsa died April 1, 2012. He was born in Tribbey, OK December 23, 1922 to Finis & Minnie Griffin. Orval served in the US Army Air Forces during WWII, 465 Bomb Group 15 Air Force, Crew 207. He was proud to serve as the top gunner and mechanic on their B24, 'The Liberator'. They were shot down on September 13, 1944. He & crew were in Stalag Luft IV and beginning February 6, 1945 endured the eight month harsh forced march across Germany until the remaining survivors were liberated on May 2, 1945 by The British Second Army, by what he described as those Beautiful British Tanks. He stated those nine months changed the rest of his life. He was a member of American Ex-Prisoners of War, Tulsa Chapter. He married Faye Matlock in 1950. He worked for Southwestern Bell/AT&T for 35 years. He was a member of The Communications Workers of America. He devoted his life to his family and always diligently worked to improve life for their future. He loved kids, dogs and fishing. Kids were always a source of entertainment and laughter which he held dear. He has resided for the past two years in the Claremore Veterans Center where he enjoyed the companionship of so many honored servicemen and women and their wonderful staff. He was preceded by his wife, Faye and brothers, Olen and Orbie Griffin. He is survived by his sister, Lois Gene Austin of California; Son, David Griffin; Daughter & Husband, Sherri & Dave Murphy; Granddaughter & Husband, April & Rob Thompson; Grandson, Mike Murphy and Great-Grandson, Michael Thompson. He will indeed be greatly missed by his family, friends and all those whom he deeply touched.
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