Russell Joseph Griffiths

Russell Griffiths, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away on September 12 at the age of 93. Born in South Bend, Indiana on Christmas Eve 1927, to Lois and Byron Griffiths, Russell was the eldest of five children. He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Louann Griffiths and brothers Samuel and William. He is survived by his three daughters, Susan Yoquelet (Michael), Amy LoMaglio (Matthew) and Valerie Griffiths. He is also survived by his two sisters, Carol Pettyjohn and Barbara Erickson (Larry). Russell leaves behind several grandchildren and great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Russell was a highly educated man, completing his degree in Accounting at Valparaiso University, a Bachelor’s of Science degree in mechanical engineering at Indiana Institute of Technology, and a Masters of Science degree in automotive engineering at the Chrysler Institute. While at Valparaiso University, Russell was a member of the Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Russell was a veteran of WWII, serving in the Army Air Corps in the Aleutian Islands. The majority of Russell’s career was spent in the automotive industry. He retired from Navistar in 1983 after 20 years of service and then went on to work as a Quality Training Coordinator for Ivy Tech. Russell was a family man, never missing dinner with his wife and daughters, always home in time to help with homework. He was a man of faith and served in many capacities in his church, including serving on the finance board. Russell was also a man of many hobbies. He earned a pilot’s license, rebuilt automobile engines, competed in local road rallies, and competitively flew model airplanes. Some of you probably chuckled at the man who kept an airplane in his backyard facing Lahmeyer Road. Russell could fix anything he put his mind to such as refinishing antiques and cabinets and building a large addition onto his home. He was truly a man of many talents. Russell will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Funeral service will be at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at D.O. McComb and Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46815 with calling one hour prior. Visitation will be from 5 pm to 7 pm on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 also at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne, IN. The service may be viewed via livestream by visiting https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1631835256137185.