Donald Lewis Griffin passed away at his home in Norton, KS on November 10, 2011. Donald was born on November 27, 1931 to Samson and Eula Griffin (Sides) in Logan, KS. Because Donald was the oldest of five children, he had many stories about being the big brother and his childhood. Donald (Don) always told his children that as a child he was stubborn, "damn ornery", and rambunctious.
As a young boy Don spent countless hours with his grandfather, learning to be a cowboy by roping, riding, and breaking horses. Don remained a cowboy at heart and had a lifetime passion for breeding and raising horses. He attended Logan High School, where he enjoyed playing basketball until his graduation in 1949. In 1951 while cruising the streets of Phillipsburg, KS, Don met and flirted with Reta Douglass. However, Reta Douglass would not get in the car with a "strange man" and both went on to live different lives.
In 1952, Don married Donna Mae Roy and to this union three children were born, Kathleen Mary, Monte Lewis, and Cindy Marie. In 1967 Don married Naomi Caldwell. In 1975 Don married Alta Sansom and to this union were born Teresa June and Debra Diane. Don was a Korean War Veteran, worked a variety of jobs in the oil fields, did farm or ranch work, and operated heavy equipment while doing bridge construction work.
Eventually Don and Reta met again and spent numerous evenings at the singles dances. The romance that had its roots in 1951 began to blossom. In 1995 Don married Reta Douglass Gibson in Norton, KS. Don and Reta have spent the last 16 years operating "Don's Horse Patch", sharing their children's and grandchildren's lives, and their shared passion for raising and breeding horses. Spring often found them out in the pasture enjoying a brand new baby colt. Don also enjoyed music and the time spent on a "jam session" with his brothers. Don played the harmonica with Leland and Darrell on the guitar and banjo. Even through Don's illness, he continued to share his friendly smile, sense of humor, and his gift to gab.
Don is survived by his wife, Reta, children Kathleen & Dan Pabst, Monte & Dennie Griffin, Cindy & Jim Burton, Teresa Griffin, and Debbie & Justin Hogan. Eric McClurg (son-in-law), stepchildren: Deb & Gary Obermiller, Steve & Ellen Gibson, Doug & Colleen Gibson, Bob & Linda Gibson, Angie & Brian Schick. Brothers; Leland & Janet Griffin, Darrell & Norma Griffin, thirty-four grandchildren; Chad McClurg, Kyle McClurg, Tanner Pabst, Tyson Pabst, Mindy Casto, Lacy Griffin, Shelby Griffin, Molly Griffin, Cooper Griffin, Cassie Bohl, Chelsea Bieghler, Summer Burton, Matilda Chamont, Hunter Hogan, Kylor Hogan, Jeremy Obermiller, Chad Obermiller, Shayla Hill, Tanya Gottschalk, Duane Edington, Theisi Gibson, Malorie Gibson, Robbie Gibson, Julian Hughes, Jordan Kirk, Drew Kirk, Chandler Hoskins, Colton Koch, Mason Wagner, Madison Wagner Lee Hadley, Robbie Hadley, Heather Fowler, Brian Fowler, Zach Fowler, thirty-six great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Don was preceded in death by: his parents Samson & Eula, brother Alvin Griffin, infant sister Joyce, stepson Kevin Griffin, grandson Benjamin Gibson, and great granddaughter Naudya Jo Gottschalk.
Don touched many lives and will be missed by his family and friends. They will cherish their memories of this special cowboy.
"It's time to say goodbye to yesterday
This is where the cowboy rides away."

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 2:00 p.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Joel Hiesterman officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Logan.

Visitation will be from 12:00 to 9:00 Sunday & 9:00 to 9:00 Monday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Services