Joseph Thomas Griffin

Joseph Thomas Griffin was born August 31, 1912 in Clarkston, Utah.  He returned peacefully to his heavenly home on August 26, 2014.  He was the 5th of 9 children of Thomas Henry Griffin and Catherine (Kate) Lovina Myler.  He married Berneice Buttars October 10, 1934 in the Logan LDS Temple.  They spent nearly 80 years together raising and caring for family, extended family, and their fellowmen.  Joseph served as a counselor, ward and financial clerk in various bishoprics. He was a stake missionary serving in the mission presidency. He served his church in other callings throughout his life into his late nineties.  Joseph and Berneice served 16 years in the Logan Temple.  He sang in the ward choir throughout his adult life, and was a member of the “Harmony Men”. Joseph served as Clarkston’s Town Clerk and Justice of the Peace.  He was a foreman at the Cache Valley Cheese Factory for 40 years.  He also worked on the railroad early in his married life.

Joseph served quietly, but could be counted on to always be there regardless of the hour or convenience.  Indeed he was a “Samaritan” to those who loved and knew him.  He touched many lives for good.   He loved athletic activities and played basketball in high school and early adult life.  His home was always a place of activities.  He played football, basketball and various games with grandchildren and great-grandchildren into his early nineties.  Later in life he took up golfing and fishing.  He created many memories for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Berneice B. Griffin, son, Bruce T. (Joan)  Griffin, of Harrisville, UT;  daughter,  Dorcas G. Johnson,  of  North Ogden, UT.  Seven grandchildren who were like children, to him; Suzanne Doxey (Garth), Roy, UT; Julie VanWagoner (Blair), Winter Spring, FL;   Joseph B. “JB“ Griffin  (Andrea), Layton UT;  Kevin Johnson (Darlene), Las Vegas, NV;  Michelle Coleman (Ray), Sandy, UT;  Jared Johnson (Lynette), New Market, MD; Quinn Johnson (Tabitha), Columbia, MO;  27 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren. His parents, siblings and their spouses preceded him in death

Joseph will be remembered for so many things - his religious example, a strong work ethic, innate ability to repair, build, or invent, service, sense of honesty, loyalty, integrity, kindness, sacrifice for family, and endurance.

The family expresses appreciation to Pioneer Valley Lodge Retirement Center management teams for the past 7 years of kindness.  A special thanks to Integrity Home Health & Hospice personnel for their loving care and service.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, August 30, 2014 at the Clarkston 1st Ward Chapel, (25 East 100 South, Clarkston, UT 84305) with a viewing prior from 10:00-11:30 am.

Interment to follow at the Clarkston Cemetery.  Condolences may be expressed online at www.allenmortuaries.net .

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the LDS Temple Patron Assistance Fund at: LDS Philanthropies, 15 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150