Don Griffin, age 81 of Plano, Texas passed away on Saturday morning, August 24, 2019 in Plano. A graveside service was held at the Bryan City Cemetery in Bryan, Texas, where United States Air Force military honors were accorded.
Don was born on August 15, 1938 in Bryan, Texas to Floyd Clifton “Peel” Griffin and Francis Gwendolyn Davis Griffin. He attended Bryan High School and served as the President of his class of 1956. From there, Don didn’t have to travel far, attending Texas A&M University, just down the street in College Station, Texas, as a member of the class of 1960. Upon graduation, he was commissioned into the United States Air Force and thus began his life-long career in aviation. Don flew the EC-121 Constellation aircraft during the Cuban Missile Crisis and for most of the early 60s. He married Sue Sorrells of Gilmer, Texas in 1964 and they moved to Sacramento, California. In the late 60s, Don served in Vietnam, flying the C-7 Caribou and was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war, Don returned to start his family and his career with Continental Airlines in Southern California. The family relocated to Plano, Texas in 1973. In 1999 Don retired from Continental Airlines after 31 years, but continued his passion for aviation and history by serving as a docent at the Frontiers of Flight museum in Dallas. In retirement, he continued to enjoy spending time with friends, both new and old, including his Aggie friends, his BSA (“Been Shot At”) friends, his Willow Bend friends, his Quiet Birdmen friends, and anyone who loved to chat and laugh, especially his family.
Don is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sue Griffin; his son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter: Russell, Lisa, and Elouise Griffin of Los Angeles, California; his daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter: Rosalyn, Mel, and Sabrina Asplund of Dallas, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd Clifton “Peel” Griffin and Francis Gwendolyn Davis Griffin Foster, and his step-father Hohen Foster; his sister Francis Katherine “Kakey” Griffin Smith, and brother-in-law Norman Smith of Arnold, Maryland.
A Celebration of Life for Don will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 4:30 PM at the Canyon Creek Country Club, located at 625 West Lookout Drive, Richardson, Texas 75080. Everyone is encouraged to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (or other favorite charity) in Don’s honor.
Ted Dickey West Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas has charge of arrangements.
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