Otis " Al" Griffin

Otis “Al” Griffin, 88, of Des Moines, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2014. Al was born on July 21, 1925 to Earl and Dorothy Griffin in Des Moines, IA.

He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1943 and joined the U.S. Marine Corp. Al served his country in World War II and was awarded the “Purple Heart” after he was wounded during the Battle of Iwo Jima. He continued his service to his country for many years by volunteering in the National Guard. He worked for the phone company, retiring after 39 years.

Al met and married the love of his life, Rosemary Murphy, on June 11, 1949.They had six children: Michael, Patricia, Dennis (wife Stephanie), James, Kathleen (husband Jerry Dowell), Maureen (husband Rob Jackson), along with sixteen grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, children, and sister; Helen Bartholomew. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Donald and William.

Al was skilled in many trades; carpentry, electrical and mechanical. He had a wonderful way of sharing his knowledge to those in his life that wanted to learn. He spent many years as a Boy Scout leader, passing along his experience and love of the great outdoors. His leisure time consisted of taking his family picnicking and boating on several of the Iowa lakes. Al was a loving father, devoted husband and good friend, who will be missed dearly by all who loved him.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a prayer service beginning at 7:30 p.m., on Tuesday, June 24, 2014, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., in Des Moines. Mass of Christian burial will be held Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Church, 650 NE 52nd Ave., with burial to follow at Glendale Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Al.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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