Mr. Lawrence William “Larry” Griffith, 97, of Galesburg, died at 4:05 a.m. Sunday, May 25, 2025, at Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville, Illinois.
He was born August 12, 1927, in Galesburg, the son of Chester E. and Gladys M. (Morris) Griffith. He married Patricia Joan Slead on May 2, 1948, in Galesburg. She preceded him in death on April 2, 1999, after nearly 51 years of marriage.
Surviving is a son, Gordon (Chris) Griffith of Lake St. Louis, Missouri; a daughter, Monica (Ed) McGraw of Henderson, Illinois; five grandchildren, Jason (Barb) Griffith, Jeremy (Rose) Griffith, Kelly (Craig) Steed, Ryan Adams, and Betsy Adams; four great grandchildren, Alex, Emily, Connie, and Marliko; a sister-in-law, Carolyn Griffith of Galesburg; and nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Anna Jonette Adams; and two brothers, Raymond and Harold Griffith.
Lawrence graduated from Galesburg High School in 1945. He served in the United States Army. He had worked a variety of jobs after his military service, including the United States Post Office, the railroad, and retail positions at Leath, Gambles, and Sears before taking a job with Gates Rubber Company. He retired from there after 23 years of service. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and gardening. He was the oldest, lifetime member of Central Congregational Church.
Cremation will be accorded. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Monday, June 16, 2025, at Central Congregational Church. Rev. Deb Epley will officiate. Private family burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Congregational Church. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
