David Ancel Griggs

David Ancel Griggs, age 97, of Fort Wayne and Marshall, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at Kingston Residence of Fort Wayne. Born on July 9, 1925, near Bedford, Indiana, he spent his early years in Rockville and Bloomingdale, Indiana, a son to the late Cecil C. and Goldie (May) Griggs. A 1946 graduate of Indiana University with B.S. and M.A. degrees, David was a lifelong high school teacher of science and mathematics with most of his career being spent with Fort Wayne Community Schools. For several years he was a science consultant for Fort Wayne Community Schools, as well as a part-time instructor at the Fort Wayne campus of Indiana University. Summers were spent as an Indiana State Park Naturalist with thirteen of those years as Chief Naturalist of Indiana State Parks. He married Mary Jane (Richardson) on November 23, 1956, in Mooresville, Indiana. David was a member of the First Christian Church of Fort Wayne, a retired teachers association member, a Fox Island Alliance member, Friends of Turkey Run and Shades State Park member, as well as numerous additional national conservation and natural history groups. His study and teaching of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, time spent as a naturalist, and extensive years traveling, gave him a profound love and admiration for the earth, life, and all the marvels of the universe. David continued extensive study and learning in these fields until the end of his life. Another activity he loved was ballroom dancing with his wife Jane. Both he and Jane enjoyed this activity well into their later years. David is survived by his devoted wife Mary Jane (Richardson) Griggs; sons, Daniel of Marshall, Indiana, John (Bessie) of Munster, Indiana, James (Cymone)of Terre Haute, Indiana; granddaughters, Sophia Griggs, Nicole Griggs; nephew, Allan Griggs; niece, Nancy Morgan; sister-in-law, Carolyn Griggs; and several cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Harry H. Griggs. In honor of David's wishes, no services will be held. A private burial will be held at a later date at Poplar Grove Cemetery in Marshall, Indiana. Contributions in his honor can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Association, Alzheimer's Society, Animal Care and Control, or the Nature Conservancy. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elzey-patterson-rodakfuneralhome.com for the Griggs family.