Robert J. Griffith

Robert J. Griffith, son of Jeff and Alice Griffith, was born April 12, 1935, in Thomasville, MO. He passed away on Saturday, Saturday, May 10, 2025, almost one month after celebrating his 90th birthday.

On October 8, 1955, he was united in marriage to Nina F. Willard. Bob and Nina were married 66 years at the time of her passing in 2022. Bob showed his family and friends what selfless love, devotion, patience and kindness was by taking care of Nina during her lengthy illness.

Bob was raised in a small family-owned general store and he aspired to own his own business. He achieved his dream when he and Nina owned and operated retail department stores in Buffalo and El Dorado Springs, MO, as well as a ladies clothing store in Lebanon, MO. His family has memories of getting calls on Sundays from families who needed to purchase a suit or dress clothes for the burial of a loved one and of Bob selling children’s shoes for twenty-five cents to struggling families. Bob set a powerful example for his children by being an equal partner with Nina in taking care of their home and garden.

In the mid 1970’s, Bob’s doctor told him he needed a hobby, and to Nina’s surprise, Bob bought a grain truck and started hauling grain from the upper Midwest to Springfield, MO. He later drove flat bed and tanker trucks which enabled him to see the entire United States as well as many parts of Canada. He made lifelong friendships during this time and had many interesting stories to tell.

Bob said when he was growing up his family always had books in their home, and he was an avid reader. He enjoyed good mysteries and historical books about World War II. He and Nina enjoyed going to Orange Beach, AL, especially during the winter. While caring for Nina he became an excellent cook and enjoyed making cookies and cakes for his neighbors, friends and family. He perfected Nina’s chocolate cake recipe much to the delight of all who enjoyed it. In the Griffith household, potatoes were their own food group and he and Nina enjoyed sharing the produce from their always too big garden.

The delight of Bob’s life was his family. He was blessed to know his great-grandchildren and said his only regret was not being able to live long enough to see their chosen careers. Bob took immense pride in watching his grandsons and their wives as parents and said the world would be a better place if all children were as loved as his great grandchildren. He was a wonderful father to his daughter, Becky Brandt and her husband, John of Columbia, MO, and to his son, Jeff Griffith and his wife, Teresa of Independence, MO. He was blessed to have two grandsons: Scott Brandt, his wife, Briana and their children, Ryan and Katelyn Brandt of San Antonio, TX, and Matthew Brandt, his wife, Cassie and their daughter, Della, of Columbia, MO. He will also be missed by his many friends and neighbors.

Bob loved all animals, and he rescued many dogs and cats. He spent many hours watching the birds at his bird feeders, which never ran out of food. The family dog, Lucky, was alone on the square in Buffalo one evening as Bob was leaving work. He told Lucky to hop in the car, and he became a member of the Griffith family. His special dog was their beagle, Sammie, who came to their yard as a stray. He took Sammie to the vet to get checked for a chip and came home with a bag full of dog food and heart guard medicine. Nina knew then that Sammie was there to stay.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Nina; his brother, David Griffith; his brother-in-law, Wendell Johnson and his nephew, Tommy Johnson.

He is survived by his sister, Doris Johnson of Alton, MO; his sister-in-law, Betty Griffith of Green Valley, AZ, as well as many nephews, nieces and cousins.

After Nina’s passing, Bob joined Becky on many trips transporting dogs from animal shelters in Southeast Missouri to rescues in the Midwest. He made many friends in the rescue community and was the oldest member of the Headed Home in the Heartland Transport Team.

In his honor the family is requesting memorials be sent in Bob’s name to:

Headed Home in the Heartland

Attn: Amanda Oliver

1007 Olive Street

Dexter, Missouri 63841

Bob requested that his family and friends remember him by sharing a meal together. He will be buried beside Nina in the Huddleston Cemetery in Alton, MO.

The family would like to thank The Neighborhoods in Columbia, MO, for taking such good care of Bob during the past four months. Their kindness and compassionate care will not be forgotten. St. Croix Hospice also provided thoughtful care and comfort to Bob and his family during his last days. We are grateful to have had Bob in our lives and are thankful to celebrate him. His was a life well lived and we are thankful to have been a part of it.