Col. Howard L Griffin

Born January 16, 1938 in Green Valley to Lloyd Everett and Gertrude Hazel (Willis) Griffin, he married Linda Louise Leamon on October 26, 1958 in Mason City. He later married Janet Marie Clark on April 23, 1988 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are three daughters, Debra K. (Bill) Jibben and Barbara J. (Bob) Terrill, both of Green Valley, and Kathy L. Griffin of San Jose; two sons, Richard L. (Robin) Griffin of Pekin and Ronald H. (Lori) Griffin of Delavan; twelve grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Harold (Phyllis) Griffin of Normal and Roger Griffin of Pekin; and three sisters, Norma (Chuck) Mariuzza and Karen Gouveia, both of Pekin, and Cheryl (Tom) Willeman of Sarasota, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother (Merle L. Griffin), and two sisters (Hazel L. Harris and Harriett Griffin).

He was a United States Army veteran.

Howard owned and operated Griffin Auction Service in Pekin for the past 23 years. He previously worked for KMI in Pekin from 1988 to 1998, owned and operated Griffin Trucking from 1970 to 1982, and worked at Stetson China Company in Lincoln.

He was a member of the San Jose Christian Church and Illinois State Auctioneers Association. He was a life-time member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 1869 in Pekin. He was a former member of the San Jose Fire Department, San Jose Lions Club, and National Auctioneers Association.

Howard donated his time as an auctioneer for many years to numerous area charity auctions and community sales including the AMBUC Charity Auction and TCRC Auction. He enjoyed spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren play sports.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 28, 2006at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Pastor Allen Payne will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Private burial will be in Green Valley Cemetery where military rites will be accorded.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Boy's and Girl's Club of Pekin, 1101 Veerman Street, Pekin, IL 61554.