Thomas Gratton Griffin's Obituary
Thomas Gratton Griffin Jr, 78, of Decatur passed away Thursday, April 11, 2013 at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Thomas was born April 8, 1935 in Chicago, IL, the son of Thomas Sr. and Olivia (Higgins).Thomas married Jo Ellen (Hilberling) on November 7, 1959 in Decatur. He was a member of Ss. James & Patrick Catholic Church and proudly served his country in the Army where he was stationed in the Pacific. He retired from Firestone after many years of service and was known as the 'Godfather' by his extended Wal-Mart family where he worked as a maintenance man. Thomas loved the Cubs, Bears and loved to fish and was proud of his Celtic heritage. He truly loved being around people and never met a stranger. Thomas will be missed by all who knew him.
Thomas leaves behind his children: Mary Kay Cunningham of Decatur, Thomas 'Tommy' J. Griffin of Decatur, and Megan (Darin) Coffman of Decatur; grandchildren: Jodi Cunningham, Sean Cunningham, Connor Coffman, Griffin Coffman and Leo Coffman all of Decatur; sister, Patti Gurnicz; brothers: Joseph Griffin and James Daniel 'Danny' (Beverly) Griffin; He loved his nieces, nephews and many other loving family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by his wife Jo Ellen, sisters Ellen Dumke and Mary DeRose, and brother Michael Griffin.
Mass of Christian burial to celebrate Thomas’s life will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 16, 2013 in St. James Catholic Church, 742 E. Clay St., Decatur. Entombment will take place in the Pieta Mausoleum at Graceland Cemetery concluding with military rites by the Macon County Honor Guard. Visitation will be held Monday April 15, 2013 from 6-8 PM with a prayer service at 5:30 PM in Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Memorials may be directed to St. Andrews Society of Central Illinois.
The family of Thomas Griffin is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?