Thomas Patrick Griffin

Thomas Patrick Griffin, 74 of Gainesville, Texas, passed away Thursday evening, December 21, 2017 in Gainesville. He was born March 17, 1943 to Timothy Charles Griffin and Marian Margret Manion in Parkersburg, WV. At an early age his family moved to the Muskogee area where he grew up and attended Sacred Heart Catholic School, later transferring to Muskogee Public Schools. He graduated from Muskogee’s Central High School with the Class of 1961. He furthered his education by attending and graduating from Central State University at Edmond. Tom enlisted with the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. After returning home from Vietnam, he was stationed at Camp Pendleton where he served with the Military Police. He later received an Honorable Discharge. After returning home from the Marine Corps, Tom began a long career in business. He worked in the steel industry for many years. He was a Foundry Consultant for the Oklahoma and Tri-State Area up until his last illness. On October 14, 1983, Tom married his best friend, Phyllis Anne Stratton by Judge Bill Bliss, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Together they have shared over 34 years of happy life and marriage together. Tom was of the Catholic faith. Tom’s hobbies included watching old western movies, especially starring John Wayne and was a sports enthusiast. He will be remembered for his loyalty, unique humor and love for family. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Dr. Scott Thomas Griffin; sister, Sharon Griffin-Bolton; and brother, Tim Griffin. Tom is survived by his wife, Phyllis of the home; his son, Will Griffin and wife Kim of Edmond; brother, Dan Griffin and wife Cliva of Ft. Worth, TX; grandchildren, Jeff Gragg and Josh Griffin; brother-in-law, David Stratton and Kristy Kerley; sister-in-law, Sarah Barton and husband Junior; nephews and nieces, Monty Griffin, Joseph Griffin and wife Lisa, Greg Griffin, William Bolton, Brandon Stratton and wife Christy, Cortney Hunt and husband Robert, Whitney Malott and husband Kyle, Beau, Carlee and Jaxon Barton; other family members and friends. A celebration of Tom’s life will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 27, 2017, at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Norman, Dr. Mike Sheets, Ed Gage, B.P. Sudberry, and Sam Bradley. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 1-800-805-5856 or to your favorite charity in Tom's honor. Funeral services are under the direction of Cornerstone Funeral Home and Crematory, 1830 N. York Street, Muskogee, OK. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.cornerstoneofmuskogee.com “SEMPER FI”

Thomas Patrick Griffin

March 17, 1943 - December 21, 2017