Lavern Griffith

LaVern P. Griffith, 86, of North Platte, NE, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2015, at Great Plains Health in North Platte. LaVern was born June 11, 1929, to David 'Lloyd' and Florence Elizabeth Glass Griffith at Cozad, NE where he grew up. LaVern graduated from Cozad High School then joined the U.S. Air Force. Following his discharge he returned to Nebraska and lived in Dawson County. LaVern spent the majority of his working career in automotive sales. He married Georganna Wolf on September 25, 1949, in Washington, D.C. and to this union four children were born. On January 19, 1996, LaVern was united in marriage to Katherine 'Kathy' Thompson in North Platte. They made North Platte their home and were members of the First United Methodist Church. LaVern was also a member of B.P.O. Elks #985 and was Past Exalted Ruler. LaVern loved his family, golfing and playing cards. He also enjoyed doing carpentry work. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, of North Platte; children, Phillip (Ramona) Griffith, of Carbondale, CO, Paul (Teresa) Griffith, of Onawa, IA, Deborah (Earl) Linn, of Overton, NE, and Marcia (John) Harnly, of Denton, TX; stepdaughter, Kim (Jim) Maciejewski, of North Platte; 12 grandchildren; two step grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; sisters, Jeanette (Robert) Lauer, of Gothenburg, NE, and Irene Oliver, of Cozad; a brother, David (Diane) Griffith, of Reno, NV; brother-in-law, Gale Mangus, of North Carolina; and many nieces, nephews and other family. LaVern was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Florence; and sister, Dorothy Mangus. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday, October 16, 2015, at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Burial will be 2:45 p.m. (MT) in the Paxton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association or the Denver Children's Hospital.