Just think of all the things that have happened in the last 98 years! All the hardship, horror, innovation, and change the papa witnessed or was part of… And survived! He was a kid in the dust bowl and depression. He had an out house! He joined the Navy after Pearl Harbor was bombed and during that for years spent much of his time on a submarine. He came home and met his sweetheart at a community dance. They stayed married for over 72 years. He built a home, or two or three for his family… Some with indoor plumbing! He saw telephones, TVs, and even computers become household items. He was even around to see the landline become all but obsolete even though the old rotary still hangs in the kitchen.The grandkids all ask “ what’s that thing papa?”when they see it. He valued hard work and expected it from his kids… He expected a lot but also gave a lot our strong, brave, sweet Papa.
It didn’t matter what time of day, whether he had just finished work or still working, he would stop and play. Upon our arrival, the grandkids would run to find pop and drag him to the living room to play… Play cars, play school, play Barbies, play dress-up, played cowboys… Play whatever.
I know I’m not alone when I say that I’ve learned a lot from Papa. Things that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I’ve learned to work hard and do the job right. I’ve learned to stop and talk .......or listen when someone needs a friend. I’ve learned to be fair and honest and sincere. But most importantly I’ve learned from Papa to be strong and brave in the hard times, that they too will pass, and that if I ever see someone standing with a plate of food and no chair to sit on, to offer mine.

It's been a privilege to have Buck as an adopted grandfather, having lost both of mine.  He was kind to everyone and everything.  I fondly remember him crawling around on the floor with his grand and great grandkids playing, saving table scraps for the barn cats, and hand washing dishes three times a day for decades so his loved ones wouldn't have get their hands dirty.  It made me smile every time he and Melba teased each other good naturedly, still so in love after 70+ years.  He led his family by example, and I see so much of Buck in my husband, his grandson.  He always had time to share stories or play a few hands of 42 with Todd, and I'm grateful Todd got so many years with his grandfather.  RIP Buck.  

Papa was the best grandpa anyone ever had. He carried us, comforted us, and taught us. He was kind hearted, generous, and honest. He loved to play with kids. I will always miss him. I'm thankful for the years I had with him, and that I can see so much of him in my kids. 

My mom Faye and Uncle Buck taken October 2018.  

One favorite memory I have of Buck and Melba - Candy and I returned from lunch to find them so engrossed in their project that they didn’t even notice us sitting in the drive in their way. They simply walked around the car and kept on task, of one mind and one spirit - Funny and charming a very dear couple.

I remember so many things but right now my most overwhelming memory is of asking papa to wiggle his ears for us

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Francis E. Griffin

21 août 1921 – 9 juin 2020

Shannon Rufe Snow Drive Funeral Chapel

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