Justin Earl Griffin, 92, of Trenton, Missouri, died Saturday, March 3rd, 2012, at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Missouri.

Justin was born near Spickard in Grundy County, Missouri, on November 23rd, 1919, to Clarence E. and Alma (Miller) Griffin. Justin was the second of eight children. He attended school in Grundy and Mercer Counties. In the early 1930's Justin joined the 3Cs (Civilian Construction Corp.) The Corp built roads and structures throughout the United States. He worked at locations in Missouri and Utah. After leaving the 3Cs he spent time working as a farm hand in central Illinois, before joining the armed forces on October 18th, 1944. In the army, Justin served in Manilla Luzon region of the Philippines, in Japan and Korea.  

He received his discharge at Camp Beale, California, on July 28th, 1948. He married Doris Evelyn Proctor of Spickard on December 31st, 1942. Not long after his discharge from the army Justin and Doris moved to Illinois where he was engaged in farming and they raised their family of five from 1943 -1964. In 1964 the family returned to Missouri living on a farm in the Galt area, until moving to Trenton in 1970 where they made their home until the time of his death.

Justin was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, the American Legion, VFW, Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star. He loved spending time with family and his many friends.

Justin is survived by Doris, his wife of 69 years; one son, Jack Griffin of Trenton; three daughters Judy and Phil Borders of Trenton; Detta and
Bob Harr of Clanton, Alabama formerly of Cozad, Nebraska; and Janet and Roland Higdon of Springfield, Missouri; two sisters, Doris Roussell and Delores and Dewayne Nigh, both of Kansas City, Kansas; one brother, Buel Griffin of Bella Vista, Arkansas; 15 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Those preceding him in death include his parents; two brothers, Wayne E. and Charles Griffin Jr.; two sisters, Ardith Hartman and Averil Reddington and a son, Duane Griffin.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m., (today) Thursday, March 8th, 2012, at Wesley United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Martin Cemetery North of Trenton.

Memorial donations are suggested in lieu of flowers to either the Major Dale Stepp Post 31 American Legion Building Fund or the Grundy County Senior Center and may be left or mailed to the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left at whitakereads.com

Whitaker Eads Funeral Home in Trenton is in charge of arrangements.