He was born to Ollie and Ethel M. Epperson Griffin, the second of six children on January 20, 1930, in New London, MO. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 903 Bernadette Drive, Columbia, MO with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Graveside services will follow at 3:00 P.M. in Grandview Burial Park, 1116 Highway 61, Hannibal, MO.
A graduate of 1947 New London High School, he worked for a time at Ralls County State Bank before moving to Moline, IL to work until enlisting in the Army in October 1948.
He proudly served his country 20+ years, retiring in November 1968 with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. Besides stateside assignments he spent tours in Japan, Korea, and in the Offices of the Army Attaché in Ankara, Turkey, Bern, Switzerland, Helsinki, Finland and Quito, Ecuador. Justus graduated from the language school at the Presidio of Monterey, CA in 1965. During his years of service he received many letters for commendation, medals and was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptional meritorious conduct. He always met new challenges with enthusiasm and strived to do the very best he could in every instance.
Upon his return from Japan and Korea in 1952, he married his high school sweetheart, Helen L. Gough. To this union were born four children, Vincent in Virginia, Ramona in Turkey, Teresa in Switzerland and Rhoda in Ecuador.
Following his military service, Justus worked for several years for the U.S. Government in Arlington, Virginia. In 1975 he moved his family to Columbia, Missouri. He and Helen opened Griffin Real Estate Agency and later opened Western International Mortgage. It was also during this period he realized a life-long goal graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Missouri in 1978. While in the real estate business he served on the local, state and national REALTOR boards and committees. He was a recipient of the Brady Stevens Award for outstanding graduate of the REALTOR Institute; served as President of the Columbia Board of REALTORS and chosen the Columbia Board of REALTORS “REALTOR of the Year“ in 1984; served as President of the Missouri Association of REALTORS in 1991 and in 1995 he was chosen the “Missouri REALTOR of the Year“.
Although not a genealogist, Justus devoted much of his retirement years tracing the family trees of his and Helen’s families. He delighted in making the connections and learning interesting stories along the way. Much time was spent traveling to other states visiting cemeteries and county seats, making discoveries which led to new connections.
In his younger years Justus enjoyed and excelled in golfing, downhill skiing and bowling; he won the Ecuadorian Bowling Championship in 1966.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Mancil, Amos, Earl, sister Marilyn and great grandson Nicholas Culebro.
Justus is survived by his wife, Helen, son Vincent Mark (Anne) of Centreville, VA, daughters Ramona Ann Baumann (Paul) of Gettysburg, PA; Teresa Rhea Scott (David) of Murray, KY and Rhoda Jean Duco (Bernie) of Houston, TX. 12 grandchildren: Christopher Hagan (Jennifer), Sarah Cruz, Kristen Smith (Joe), Ryan Scott (Melissa), Erin Baumann, Justin Scott, Lauren Austin, Zachery Griffin, Cassandra Griffin, Samantha Serrurier, Thomas Serrurier, and Elizabeth Serrurier. 12 great-grandchildren: Bradley Culebro; Ashlyn and Justus Cruz; Mikayla and Lucas Smith; Brooke and Kiera Hagan, Owen and Bailey Austin, Chandler Sobelman, Bradley Parton and Cassidy Archer; one great-great grandchild, Rose Martinez. A sister, Janella Sue Quattrocchi, sister-in-law, Lucille McCann and many nieces and nephews.
Although Justus experienced much success in his life his greatest joy was his love and devotion to family. In his later years when vascular dementia claimed his memory he still delighted in the visits of family and friends.
He was known for his common sense approach and ethical behavior. Justus never met a stranger and was so interested in everything, having a wonderful gift of gab and a great sense of humor.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be sent to the Missouri Veterans Home, 1 Veterans Drive, Mexico, MO 65265.
