Bobby Gene Griffin

Gene Griffin
Escalante, Utah
    
    Bobby Gene Griffin 94, passed away May 22, 2024 in Escalante. He was born November 26, 1929 in Escalante, to Alburn and Neoma Schow Griffin, the fourth in a family of six children. 
    He met his sweetheart, Thais Roe, when he went over to Panguitch to play for a dance. They courted and after returning from Korea, were married March 31, 1953 in the St. George Temple. They were married 64 years when she passed away in 2017.
    Gene was given a blessing of comfort before he left for his military service which gave him great faith he would return home safely. His service in the Army during the Korean War was an experience that he reflected on often, though he didn’t really speak of it to his family until the past few years. Among his experiences, he and a buddy were standing next to their foxhole when an un-exploded enemy mortar landed right next to them. Also, his service affected his hearing, but he never complained about it. On November 10, 2023, Gene was recognized by the Department of Veteran and Military Services and Utah Tech University with the Spirit of Sacrifice Award.  
    He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served in many capacities including: Sunday School Superintendent, Elder’s Quorum president, president of the Seventies, ward executive secretary and ward clerk. He was proud of his pioneer ancestry, he is a great-great-grandson of Hyrum Smith and received his patriarchal blessing by his grandfather, Ernest Adelbert Griffin, a grandson of Brother Hyrum.
    He raised his family in Escalante and made his living as a barber and beauty operator, owned and operated Griffin Mercantile and was a cattleman alongside his brothers. They also ran sheep and had “a few” race horses.
    He had many other talents and traits throughout his life. He played the guitar and was part of a band “The Cactus Kids”. He excelled in all kinds of sports from basketball, tennis with track being a favorite. He learned how to play pool when he was a teen winning many awards. He won the gold medal at the Senior Games while they lived in Mesa, AZ. He also received tennis medals at the Huntsman Senior Games in St. George. 
    Of the many, many things Gene did and accomplished during his life, it was being with his family that brought him his greatest joy.
    He is survived by his children: Gary (Sheila) Griffin, Woodland Hills; Brent (Kathie) Griffin, Escalante; Melanie (Joseph “J.J.”) Johnston, Las Vegas, NV; and Stephanie (Dave) Henrie, St. George; daughter-in-law: Tina Griffin, St. George; 21 grandchildren and 23 great- grandchildren; brother: Lynn (Judy) Griffin, Escalante.
    He is preceded in death by his wife; parents; son Mark Griffin; granddaughter, Angelie Volker; siblings: DeLane, Cecil, Vaunnie, Floy, 
    Funeral services will be on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 12:00 Noon in the Escalante Stake Center. Viewing will be from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.  Burial with military honors will be in the Escalante Cemetery.  Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guest book www.maglebymortuary.com

Live streaming of the services can be found by scrolling below the obituary