Harold J. Griffith, 100, of Galesburg, passed away at 9:25 p.m. Monday April 22, 2024.
He was born February 13, 1924, in Abingdon, the son of Harold O. and Ruth (Shotwell) Griffith. He married Vivian R. Fite on November 30, 1944. She preceded him in death on November 6, 2001, after 56 years of marriage. He later married Janet Gail Martin on November 26, 2004. She preceded him in death on April 6, 2022, after 17 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his sister Mary June Nesbitt, of Springfield, IL.
He is survived by his three sons, Thomas (Debbie) Griffith, of Nokomis, FL; Jeffrey (Ann Marie) Griffith, of Altamonte Springs, FL; John (Debbie) Griffith, of Littleton, CO; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and five step-children, Mike (Karen) Martin, Cheryl (Don) Labertew, Lisa Martin, Mark (Ann) Martin, and Chris (Keith) Hanna.
Harold grew up farming as a young man and graduated from Wataga High School in 1942. He then farmed for 15 years, owned a Dairy Queen in Monmouth for five years, and worked at Jefferson-Smurfit for 31 years as a packaging designer until he retired in 1989. He was a member of the Christian Science church.
Harold was an avid gardener, loved to golf, and developed a talent for cooking popular treats that included “Griffith” sweet corn, “prize winning” caramels, chocolate covered Turtles, and the ever favorite sticky buns.
A private family graveside service will be held at a later date at the Wataga Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Knox County Humane Society. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services are assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at the funeral home’s website at www.h-p-w.com.
