George Griffiths

George Gordon Griffiths, 94, formerly of Centralia, died Wednesday, April 4, 2007 in Topeka.

He was born May 20, 1912 at Baileyville, Kansas the son of Walter John and Gertrude Oliphant Griffiths. He attended Baileyville schools through the eighth grade.

During the depression Gordon delivered bread worked as a meat cutter and as a carpenter.

Mr. Griffiths was married to Mary Warrenburg in Atchison, July 8, 1933. They lived in the Centralia area where he farmed and raised cattle. He retired in 1978.The couple had celebrated 64 years of marriage before Mary preceded him in death August 12, 1997.

For 27 years he raised dogs. He was most proud of the time he provided 24 collie puppies to Warner Brothers movie studio. He had been a member of the Centralia United Methodist Church, a Bridge club and the Keenagers, where he served as president. He had also helped deliver Meals-on-Wheels while living in Centralia. He moved to Topeka in 2002 where he lived with his son, Ron until the time of his death.

Survivors of Mr. Griffiths include two sons, Ronald Griffiths, Topeka and Max Devere (Bob) Griffiths, Seneca; a daughter, Patty Unger, Topeka; a sister, Gertrude Herda, Caldwell, Idaho; four grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Dolores Ann Shumaker in November 1993; four brothers, Lester, Bob, Walter John, Jr., and Bert; a sister, Helen Wiley.

Funeral services will be Saturday, April 7 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Centralia.

Visitation will be for an hour before service time at the church on Saturday. Rev. Deborah Hanes-Nelson and Pastor Jan Todd will preside. Janelle Glatczak and Doug Nelson will sing. Selected hymns will be "Just a Closer Walk" and "How Great Thou Art" Casket bearers will be Doug Nelson, Doug Talkington, Rex Flentie, J.B. Holland, Jack Robinson, and Brad Schober.

Burial will be in the Centralia Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be left to the Centralia United Methodist Church, the Midland Hospice or Nemaha County Training Center and left in care of the funeral home.

Hayes-Popkess Funeral, Centralia is in charge of arrangements.