Reverend D. Robert Griffith

Reverend D. Robert “Bob” Griffith of Grace Village Retirement Community, Winona Lake, Indiana passed away at 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at his residence at the age of 89.

He was born on February 16, 1928 in Cambria County, Pennsylvania to Geraldine I. (Rose) and John W. Griffith.  On September 1, 1951 he was married in Winona Lake, Indiana to Joyce E. Polman, who survives. 

Bob received his Bachelor degree from Bob Jones University in 1950, and his Master of Divinity Degree in 1953 from Grace College and Theological Seminary in Winona Lake.  With his wife Joyce and family at his side he served the Lord as a Grace Brethren Minister in pastorates in Lake Odessa, Michigan from 1953-1955; Grandview, Washington from 1955-1962; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 1962-1969; Telford, Pennsylvania from 1969-1978; Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania from 1978-1990; and Berne, Indiana from 1990-1996.  He served 45 years as a Senior Pastor as well as traveled the mission fields in France, Germany, Africa, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Argentina.  Bob was on the Board of Directors of Grace Brethren Foreign Missions for 18 years, Chairman of North Atlantic Youth Committee for 9 years, Chairman of West Penn Youth Committee for four years, and for 20 years he served as Business Manager for Christian camps in Michigan, Northwest and North Atlantic Districts. 

Upon retirement Bob remained just as active and worked part time for 20 years as a funeral attendant, the last ten years at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw, Indiana.  Once a minister always a minister…over the years while working at the funeral home he had the privilege to officiate many funerals for families without a church home that had lost a loved one.  He was a member of Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, he attended as well as preached services at Grace Village Chapel at Grace Village Retirement Community.  He was a loving husband, father and a true man of faith...he will be dearly missed by his family and friends. 

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 66 years, Joyce E. Griffith (Winona Lake, Indiana); two sons:  David (wife Susan) Griffith (Missionaries in France); Dr. Steven (wife Rose) Griffith (Cannon Falls, Minnesota); and his daughter:  Kathleen (husband Bob) Burns (Westfield, Indiana).  He also leaves behind eight grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren; and sister:  Patricia (husband Wendell) Kent (Buena Vista, Colorado).  He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Jack.           

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana.  His funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home and officiated by Pastor Bruce Barlow and Chaplain Bryan Benjamin.  Burial will take place at Pike Brethren Church Cemetery in Conemaugh, Jackson Township, Pennsylvania in Cambria County where Bob was born. 

Memorial donations in Bob’s memory may be directed to Grace Village Retirement Community, 337 Grace Village Drive, Winona Lake, Indiana  46590 to go towards the Grace Village Caring Friends and would be appreciated by his family. 

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