Born in Des Moines, Iowa on June 8, 1937, this kind and gentle soul passed away at his home in rural Earlham, Iowa on February 6, 2018, with his devoted dog, Blaze, by his side.
Keith was a dearly loved Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Uncle, Brother, and adored friend of many. In fact, he never met a stranger and talked to anyone and everyone he came across in his life – a trait his children picked up…although his son was a bit resistant. Keith was a hard worker with the highest integrity, and he instilled those values in his family. He always put others before himself and never wanted to inconvenience anyone; and those who tried to push him to consider himself were met with his legendary stubbornness. The top words when speaking about this great man are: humble, kind, stubborn, funny, adored, and one of a kind. Did we mention stubborn?
Keith has most recently enjoyed almost 20 years of retirement…doing whatever he wanted to do and however he wanted to do it. He had a love of flags, eagles, puzzles, gardening, and the Hawkeyes, and earlier in his life spent a lot of time fishing and hunting. He was employed with the Earlham School in maintenance/custodial for 22 years until he retired in 1998. Before that he worked for the Iowa Department of Transportation.
Keith grew up on his family’s farm (to which he returned) outside Earlham, Iowa, with his parents, Robert and Ramona, and two brothers, Corbett and Harlan. He attended Earlham School and graduated in 1956. He attended William Penn College where he played football and ran track. He served honorably and proudly in the United States Army in the medical division. Until the day he died, he was a respected member of the Earlham American Legion Post 158 where he assisted as he could with parades, holidays, memorials, and honor guard duties.
In 1964, Keith married Loy Dean Whitecotton and was blessed with three children: Kevin Clark, Kari Lyn, and Konny Jo who were raised in his hometown of Earlham and enjoyed the small town community and school.
Keith is survived by his adoring children: Kevin and Traci Griffin (Dexter), Kari and Steve French (Bryan, TX), Konny and Jon Goff (Earlham); his grandchildren Kayla (Dallas) Apple, Kendra Griffin, Kelan Goff, Slater Goff, Karry Goff, Bethany and Cameron French, and great-granddaughter Kinsley Griffin; a brother Corbett Griffin (Kansas City, MO); former spouse Loy Griffin; and nephews and a niece. We can’t forget to mention his beloved canine companion, Blaze, who was always by his side.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ramona Griffin, and a brother, Harlan Griffin.
We are so proud to call him Dad…the greatest man we will ever know.
Visitation will be held from 2-4 P.M. on Sunday, February 11th at the Johnson Family Funeral Home in Earlham. Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 A.M. on Monday, February 12th at the Johnson Family Funeral Home in Earlham. Per his wishes cremation will follow the service and burial will be at Bear Creek Cemetery at a later date. Following the service, a gathering of family and friends will be at the Westside Bar & Grill. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Keith’s name to Heinz 57 Pet Rescue and/or the Earlham American Legion Post #158 and may be sent in care of Johnson Family Funeral Home, PO Box 119, Earlham, Iowa 50072. Online condolences may be left at www.johnsonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
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11
Feb
140 N.W. 2nd St.
Earlham, IA 50072
12
Feb
140 N.W. 2nd St.
Earlham, IA 50072
Johnson Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Stuart Chapel • 123 Northeast Secon Street, Stuart, IA 50250 • Phone: (515) 523-1200
Dexter Chapel • 814 Wash Ave. Box 57, Dexter, IA 50070 • Phone: (515) 789-4621
Earlham Chapel • 140 NW 2nd Street, Earlham, IA 50072 • Phone: (515) 758-2500
Redfield Chapel • 902 1st Street Box 404, Redfield, IA • Phone (515) 789-4621
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