Eldon Griffis

Eldon "Griff" Griffis, 86, known by many names, Pops to his grandkids, Dad to his kids, and Channie, a name given to him as a young boy by his family because his brother couldn't properly pronounce Sweet Thang, passed away at home surrounded by the family he loved June 4, 2018.

He was born at County Line near Dekalb in Far East Texas, on March 18, 1932 to Elzy and Georgia Griffis. He grew up in the piney woods helping his Dad cut timber to sell or trade and working on the farm. In 1947 the family moved to Odessa. He graduated from Odessa High School in 1949 at the age of 17. He worked as a truck driver in the oilfield until he joined the U.S. Army in 1951. After serving in Korea he returned to Odessa. He worked for Wright Rental Tool. He married Aline on December 13, 1963. She passed July 12, 2017. Together, for almost 54 years, they raised 4 kids. In 1992 while still working in the oilfield, Dad attended and graduated from the Odessa College Law Enforcement (night) Academy, becoming a licensed Texas Peace Officer and joined the Ector County Sheriff's Office Reserve Unit. Dad retired from Homco International in 1994, as a fishing tool supervisor. He volunteered 15 years to the citizens of Ector County and the Sheriff's Office serving in the jail, jail transport, and patrol, riding along many times with his son Mike.
Pops loved to fish at Rockport, Texas. He made many trips to Rockport. He was blessed to fish many times with his parents, and family. Upon retiring he spent a month twice a year fishing with his brother Neal. He and Neal were very close and loved fishing together. Dad was a great father, a great man, a great Texas Peace Officer and loved by many. He loved his family and provided a good stable home for them. Dad always enjoyed being around family no matter the occasion.

Pops is preceded in death by his wife, Aline, his parents, and brothers, Wayne and Neal.

He is survived by his daughter, Pat Hestand and husband Doug; sons, Joseph Currier and wife, Kimberlie, Mark Griffis and wife, Kathie, and Mike Griffis and sweet girlfriend, Allison; grandchildren, Jason, Jennifer, Dela, Stephanie, Joy, Savannah, Jerod, Paige, and Abbie; 9 great grandsons; sister, Jean Williams, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Roddy Eaton, Eddie Mancha, Rick Dickson, Kevin Watson, Mark Tippit and Carl Watters.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 pm, Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be at 10:00 am, Thursday, June 7, 2018 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at 12:00 pm at Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland, TX.

A special THANK YOU to an Angel on earth, Caren Anderson, who cared for pop during his last months and days, and to Gerardo Arzate and Nurse David Bernard with Hospice of West Texas for their compassionate care and assistance.

Arrangements are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home. To send family condolences please sign his guestbook at www.sunsetodessa.com.

Visitation

Family and Friends Gathering

Sunset Memorial Funeral Home
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
6:00-8:00 PM

Service

Funeral Services

Sunset Funeral Home Chapel
6801 East Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Thursday, June 7, 2018
10:00 AM

Cemetery

Resthaven Cemetery North
TX - 349 BR
Midland, TX