Claude GRIFFIS

Claude W. Griffis Jr., 83, went to be with the Lord on March 12, 2007 in Lake Havasu City, AZ. He was born on September 16, 1923 in Cleveland, OH; to Claude Griffis Sr; and Agatha Licsko. His family moved to the Los Angeles area when, at the age of 16, he entered the U.S. Navy. Claude was stationed on the USS West Virginia on December 7, 1941, when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. During this proud service to the United States, he received the Purple Heart of Valor and spent time in the South Pacific, Mediterranean and Australia. Upon discharge from the Navy, Claude went back to the Los Angeles area, where he met his neighbor and future wife, Helen June Johnston. They raised four children together before retiring to Lake Havasu City in 1998 and were married 53 beautiful years. Claude was an active member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association and the Disabled American Veterans. He loved boating on Lake Havasu, studying astronomy and most of all spending time with his grandchildren. He will be dearly missed, but not forgotten. Claude is survived by his children, Claudia Brown and husband Mike of White Hills, AZ; Eva Frye and husband Fred of Banning, CA; Anita Johnson and husband Keith of Mira Loma, CA; and Karl Griffis and wife Jo of Lake Havasu City, AZ; as well as ten grandchildren , thirteen great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife Helen who passed away in 1998.Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 16, 2007 at Lietz-Fraze Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2007 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Words of comfort and inspiration will be expressed by Bishop Alberto Salazar. Burial will follow at Lake Havasu Memorial Gardens.In lieu of flowers, his family has requested donations be made in Claude’s name to Disabled American Veterans, 266 London Bridge Rd., Lake Havasu City, AZ; 86403Condolences and thoughts can be made to his family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.comArrangements were entrusted to Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.