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Otis "Al" Griffin
Des Moines
Otis "Al" Griffin, 88, of Des Moines, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2014. Al was born on July 21, 1925 to Earl and Dorothy Griffin in Des Moines, IA.
He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1943 and joined the U.S. Marine Corp. Al served his country in World War II and was awarded the "Purple Heart" after he was wounded during the Battle of Iwo Jima. He continued his service to his country for many years by volunteering in the National Guard. He worked for the phone company, retiring after 39 years.
Al met and married the love of his life, Rosemary Murphy, on June 11, 1949. They had six children: Michael, Patricia, Dennis (wife Stephanie), James, Kathleen (husband Jerry Dowell), Maureen (husband Rob Jackson), along with sixteen grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, children, and sister; Helen Bartholomew. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Donald and William.
Al was skilled in many trades; carpentry, electrical and mechanical. He had a wonderful way of sharing his knowledge to those in his life that wanted to learn. He spent many years as a Boy Scout leader, passing along his experience and love of the great outdoors. His leisure time consisted of taking his family picnicking and boating on several of the Iowa lakes. Al was a loving father, devoted husband and good friend, who will be missed dearly by all who loved him.
Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a Rosary beginning at 7:30 p.m., on Tuesday, June 24, 2014, at Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., in Des Moines. Mass of Christian burial will be held Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Church, 650 NE 52nd Ave., with burial to follow at Glendale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Al.
Condolences for the family may be offered online at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Grandpa I will miss u so much. You are loved dearly! I will never forget our time together! I love u
Lindsey Lee
July 15, 2014
I Know how you feel. I went though it with my dad. It's hard. But now he's in a better place.
sue Biel
June 23, 2014
Herb USMC
June 23, 2014
Herb USMC
June 23, 2014
Herb USMC
June 23, 2014
Herb USMC
June 23, 2014
God Bless/RIP,to ALL who served in WWII. The USA would NOT be as it is today."The gates of heaven are well guarded now by Another United States MARINE". Thank YOU for your, Al...... And Semper Fi.
Herb Guyer-Sharfenaker USMC
June 23, 2014
I was sorry to hear of your loss. God Bless your family. I will be praying for you.
Clarice Steinbach
June 23, 2014
Out thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Hold dear the memories you have of your dad.
Bill & Sheri Lightkep
June 23, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Terri Murphy
June 22, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Kathy Slorah
June 22, 2014
Thoughts and Prayers! Love to all!
Patrick Murphy
June 22, 2014
Alan and Alice Steinbach
Alan Steinbach
June 22, 2014
Our sympathy goes out to the Griffin family Alan has such great memories growing up around Al. Our hopes and prayers go out to the family. Alan and Alice Steinbach
Alan Steinbach
June 22, 2014
Rosemary and all the Griffin family. Our deepest heartfelt sympathy goes out To the Griffin family. Been good friends and wonderful neighbors for years.God bless .Pauline Steinbach and the Steinbach family.
Pauline Steinbach
June 22, 2014
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