Chester Griffith

Chester Eugene Griffith, 86, of Lubbock, passed away Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010. His legacy will be celebrated in services at Quaker Ave. Church of Christ, 1701 Quaker Ave., Saturday, 10 a.m. Family will receive visitors Friday, 6-8 p.m. at Resthaven Funeral Home.

Born Feb. 5, 1924, in Lockney, to Walter and Annie (Roberson) Griffith, Chester was the last surviving of their eight children.

Chester graduated at Lockney, attended Texas Tech and graduated Draughon's Business College in Lubbock. He served in the Navy during World War II.

On Jan. 22, 1947, Chester married Erma Dean Finley, a union lasting 63 years. His wife survives him along with daughters Linda Lewis of Springfield, Missouri, Patricia Griffith, Debra and husband Garlon Wood, of Lubbock. Chester was predeceased in 1994 by two adopted sons, Tommy Eugene "Gene" Booth and Walter Scott Griffith. Survivors include Gene's widow Myra and husband Tommy Reece of Lubbock. Also preceding Chester in death are son-in-law Barry Lewis in 2004 and grandson Dr. Barrett Lewis in 2008. Chester is beloved "Grandaddy" to 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Chester worked 35 years with General Electric Credit Corporation, retiring in 1986 as Regional Sales Manager. The family lived in Lubbock, Farmers Branch and New Deal returning to Lubbock in 2001. The family was named Lubbock's "Family of the Year" in 1963. Chester served on the New Deal school board for six years. In 1980, Chester and Erma Dean bought ranch property near Breckenridge, where they retired in 1985.

Baptized in 1938, Chester was staunch in faith and unwavering in his devoted Christian example of service to others, caring for the young, the elderly and giving help wherever he saw a need. Chester and Erma Dean also provided foster care for countless children for more than 20 years.

He served as an elder with the Farmers Branch Church of Christ, was an active member at the Breckenridge Church of Christ, and in Lubbock served as deacon 1967-1974 at the 22nd & Memphis Ave. Church of Christ and with the congregation after they relocated to Quaker Ave.

Ministers David Langford and Ellmore Johnson will officiate the services. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Resthaven Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements with burial at Resthaven Memorial Park following services.

Memorials may be made to the Mission Fund at Quaker Ave. Church of Christ.