Lew Griffin was born in Houston, Texas September 3, 1928 he lived with his parents and two brothers, Henry and Arthur. As a young boy Lew learned the value of setting goals, self-discipline and hard work. One of his goals was to buy a new Schwinn bicycle which was accomplished after his summer mowing jobs and a little later working at the corner drug store at the soda fountain. He also worked at a machine shop on Saturdays to earn more. Lew continued his working after graduating from high school to fund flying lessons at Houston’s “Hobby” airport. He learned quickly and soon began flying solo. Lew loved flying but soon moved on to another job working at Humble Oil Company that would become a lifetime career. The Korean War was on and wanting to serve his country, Lew took a leave of absence from Humble Oil.
Returning home, Lew attended classes at the University of Texas in Austin. While there, he met the girl he would marry, Dianne Walker of Kansas City. After graduation with his degree in geology, Lew accepted a position with Exxon’s Exploratory Division.
In 1962 Lew and Dianne were married in Kansas City and afterwards returned to Texas. After Lew’s retirement, he and Dianne moved to Kansas City to help with the care of her father and not long after Dianne became ill and passed away in 2002.
Lew continued to enjoy traveling and visited Alaska and Israel with friends. Lew also was an active member at his Church having bible studies each Saturday with a group of men.
Dear Lew will be remembered as a kind and polite gentleman who loved the Lord and who was able to mow his yard and feed the neighbor's cat at the age of 90!
A funeral service for Lewis will be held Wednesday, January 11, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131.
