Raymond Griffitt

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Raymond Albert Griffitt, 94 of rural Columbus passed away on Monday, October 25, 2021 at Medicalodge in Columbus. He was born on October 22, 1927 to Jess and Maud (Patch) Griffitt in Columbus, KS. 

Raymond married Shirley Clevenger on October 29, 1949 in Oswego, Kansas. Raymond was a loving husband of almost seventy-two years, son, father, and grandfather.

Raymond worked all his life farming and raising cattle as well as working off the farm. He helped his grandfather Harman S. Patch move houses, and operated heavy equipment for several local road construction companies. 

He worked at the KAAP Ammunition Plant doing line work and with the roads and grounds departments, and also worked at the Gulf Spencer Plant as an operator in Crestline, Kansas. He worked at the Hallowell Post Office and the Columbus Post Office retiring in June 1990 after working over 20 years as a mail carrier. 

Raymond was baptized and became a member of the Sherwin Christian Church in 2012. The Fellowship Hall of the church was moved to its current location by Raymond in 1956 after his grandfather had quit moving houses. Raymond and Shirley enjoyed trips to Branson and spending time at Grey’s Ranch on Grand Lake.

Raymond is survived by his wife Shirley, six children: Janet (Kerry) McKinzie of Columbus, Mary Plunkett of Paragould, Arkansas, Sheryl (Duane) Schneider of Asbury, Missouri, Diania (Chester) Hill, Lela Gaye (Steve) Slay, and Kenney (Linda) Griffitt of Columbus. He has fifteen grandchildren: Tessa (Jeff) Clark, Missy (Don) Proffitt, Melinda (Justin) Cox of Columbus, Jess Plunkett of Illinois, Jason Plunkett of Paragould, Arkansas, Kristan (Jacob) Plunkett-Partlow of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Steve Schneider of Gardener, Kansas, Rick (Katie) Schneider of Joplin, Missouri, James (Barb) Hill of Olathe, Kansas, Amanda (Blake) Burns, Cassandra Hill-Durbin of Columbus, Marietta (Danny) Nickelson of Girard, Helen (Adam) Holland of Pittsburg, Lindsey (Paul) Morris of Columbus, and Travis (Kay) Griffitt of Misawa AFB, Japan. Raymond has 28 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers-in-law: Billy Sam Thompson, and Bill (Jean) Clevenger, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at McKee Cemetery of Hallowell. Pastor Neil Martin will officiate. Visitation will take place from 6-7:00 pm on Friday, October 29, 2021 at Derfelt Funeral Home of Columbus. 

Memorial contributions may be made to either the Sherwin Christian Church, the McKee Cemetery, or Integrity Hospice, all in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.