Frederick J. Griffith 1929 to 2009

GRIFFITH, MERRIFIELD, MCGOWAN

Posted By: James Mincks (email)
Date: 12/25/2009 at 23:49:35

Frederick J.(Fred)Griffith, 80, passed away on December 8, 2009. A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 14, at Galilee Baptist Church, 2208 Des Moines Street, at 10 a.m. where Fred was a member for almost 50 years.
Fred was born on July 27, 1929, in Des Moines. He graduated from East High School in 1947, and served in the United States Air Force from 1948 to 1952. While stationed in Okinawa, he met his beloved wife, Rose. Fred worked for The Des Moines Register as a District Manager in the Circulation Dept. After retirement from The Register, he enjoyed working as a security patrol for the Iowa State Fairgrounds for 18 years. Fred and Rose enjoyed traveling throughout the US and around the world, but one of their biggest joys was traveling to Iowa City to watch the iowa Hawkeyes' football games. Fred also enjoyed fishing and was an avid reader.
In addition to Rose, Fred is survived by his four children, Jenean(Don)Iverson, Urbandale, IA; Robert(Marylou)Griffith, Shelby, IA; Susan(Rob)Wells, Deltona, FL; and George(Shelly)Griffith, Waukee, IA; 17 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, all of whom were his pride and joy. Fred is also survived by his four siblings, Hazelle Merrifield, Des Moines, IA; George Griffith, Temple City, CA; Wayne Griffith, San Diego, CA; and Shirley McGowan, Prescott Valley, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Emily Griffith.

*NOTE* It was not mentioned, but before he worked for the Register, Fred was a deliveryman for NORTHLAND DAIRY for a few years before it was bought out by ROBERTS DAIRY. ( I knew him as a kid, and saw him every morning.)

taken from the Des Moines Sunday Register, December 13, 2009; Metro section, page 9B, column 2.