Rev. Dan Edwin Griffiths

Rev. Dan Edwin Griffiths, Jr. retired Elder in Full Connection in the Central Appalachian Missionary Conference of the United Methodist Church and a Vietnam Veteran with the US Army entered into his eternal rest with His Heavenly Father on December 28th at the Hazard ARH Hospital in Hazard, KY at the age of 75. Dan’s life was a life of service. He served his country, served his community, and served the Lord.

Dan was born on August 22, 1950 in Fort Riley, Kansas to Dan Edwin, Sr. and Erna Alwine (Hauschild) Griffiths. Dan followed in his father’s footsteps and served in the US Army. Dan served from 1969-1972. Following his time of service, he served as a firefighter at Fort Knox, Kentucky. It was during his time as firefighter that he felt God’s calling on his life to the ministry. He enrolled at Lindsey Wilson College and began serving as a student pastor. Upon graduation from Lindsey Wilson College, he continued as a Full-Time Local Pastor in the Kentucky Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

In 1997, Dan was appointed the Jack’s Creek & Bowens Creek United Methodist Churches in the Red Bird (now Central Appalachian) Missionary Conference. In May of 2011, Dan was ordained an Elder in Full Connection of the Red Bird Missionary Conference. Dan served faithfully in the Conference pastoring at Jack’s Creek & Bowens Creek UMC’s followed by Combs & Lothair, Middle Fork, Beech Fork, and Lower Beech Fork United Methodist Churches. Dan retired in 2016 following some health issues.

In retirement, Dan chose to stay and live in Leslie County, living in the Middle Fork community. He was a huge Kentucky Basketball Fan as well as Leslie County Eagles and Lady Eagles Basketball teams.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Isolde H. Smith. Dan is survived by a sister, Evelyn Reynolds of North Carolina, nephews - Mark Smith of Connecticut, Gary Norris of Kansas, William Potter of Texas, & David Potter of Texas, nieces – Barbara Theiss of Wyoming, Gail Smith of Georgia, and Heidi Potter of Texas, as well as a host of friends, fellow clergy, and many former church members to remember Dan, his life, and his life of faithful service to the Kingdom of God.

A Memorial Service in honor of Dan will be held on Thursday, February 5th at 11:00 A.M. at the Dwayne Walker Funeral Home in Hyden, KY., with Rev. Robert Amundsen officiating.

Burial will follow in the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery South East in Hyden, KY.

*Full Military Rite will be performed by the Leslie Co. DAV Chapter #133*