Glen Griffin

Glen Griffin of Searcy, Ark., (formerly Heber Springs, Ark.) passed away on February 4, 2014, at the age of 89 in Fayetteville, Ark. Glen was born in Russell, Ark., on January 20, 1925. He graduated from Searcy High School in 1942 and joined the US Army Air Force in 1943. During WWII Glen was a Staff Sergeant and a crew member of Squadron 336 in the 95th Bomb Group. He was a gunner in a B17 bomber and was involved in the Ardenness Campaign, Rhineland Campaign and Central Europe Campaign. In a mission over Munich, Germany, Glen was wounded, thus receiving the Purple Heart. He was also awarded European African Eastern Service Metal with 3 bronze battle stars, the Good Conduct Metal and several air medals and badges. Glen was married to Carol (Hassell) on May 29, 1945; they enjoyed 50 years of marriage before she preceded him in death in 1995. Glen attended Arkansas Teachers' College (UCA) in Conway before taking a job with the US Postal Service at Griffithville, Ark. He carried the mail on a rural route for over 30 years. Glen enjoyed his family, watching sports and fishing, reading and singing. He was a 32° Mason and a Shriner. He loved his church and attended services all of his life. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Heber Springs, Ark. Glen will always be remembered for his selflessness, his smile and his hugs. Glen is survived by two sons Gary (Janette) Griffin, Blytheville, Ark. and John Griffin, Searcy, Ark.; one daughter, Jan (Jerry) Moon, Fayetteville, Ark., (formerly Heber Springs, Ark.); one sister, Maxcyne Nelson, Sacramento, Calif.; one brother, Thomas (Jean) Griffin, Lakeland, Fla. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Chad Griffin, Brent Griffin, Carrie Vick, Grant Griffin, Sarah Msall, Drew Griffin, Emily Stormes and Anna Moon, 13 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and other family members and friends. Others preceding Glen in death are his parents, Rev. Walter and Mina (Harty) Griffin and one brother, Walter (Cynthia) Griffin. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church in Searcy, Ark. with Rev. David Orr officiating. Visitation with the family will follow the service. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to: First United Methodist Church-Searcy, 304 N. Main Searcy, Ark. 72143; First United Methodist Church-Heber Springs, 1099 W Pine St., Heber Springs, Ark. 72543; or White County Library 113 E Pleasure St., Searcy, Ark. 72143. Nelson-Berna Funeral Home and Crematory handled the cremation arrangements.