He was born February 25, 1927 in Quincy, IL, the son of William Kenneth and Katherine Slater Griffin. He first married Doris Hedrick and to this union, his two children were born. She preceded him in death. He later married Marilyn (Marold) Trower on September 3, 1994. She survives.

Upon graduation from Quincy Senior High School in 1944, Ken enlisted in the Navy and served his country during WWII, seeing action in the Marshall Isalnds. He worked for Gardner-Denver Company for 15 years and then for Celotex Corporation, retiring in 1989 after 33 years.

Ken (or Kenny as he is known to many) loved helping other people. He also loved his God, his church and his family. Ken was a devoted scout leader, trustee and elder in the church. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed traveling. He and Marilyn explored much of the United States and Canada.

Survivors, in addtion to his wife, are children; Robert Griffin and his wife, Karen of Sherrard, IL; Brian Griffin and his wife, Ruth of Quincy; Daniel Trower of Quincy; Peggy Zahm of Austin, TX; Becky (Glen) Ebbing of Quincy; Deborah (Dan) Lenane of Quincy; 10 grandchildren: Nicole Griffin, Amy McGrath, Danielle Zibilski, Derek Zahm, Jennifer Kelty, Brian Ebbing, Nathan Ebbing, Jason Ebbing, Greg Lenane, Sarah Bentley; 2 great-grandchildren: Bailee and Ashlyn Kelty.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, a sister Georgene, a brother Robert, and a sister-in-law Wanda.

Funeral services will be Friday at 2:00 p.m. in the Trinity United Church of Christ, 2020 South 24th Street, conducted by Rev. Timothy White. Burial will be in Greenmount Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 4 to 7 p.m. at Trinity United Church of Christ. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association or Trinity United Church of Christ. Hansen-Spear Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.