Eugene M. Griffin

Eugene “Gene” Griffin, 83, of Elkhorn, NE, passed away at home on September 13, 2022. Gene was born on June 8, 1939, Bourbon County, Kentucky, to George Washington and Mary Bell (Carmine) Griffin. He went to several grade schools throughout the area, depending on where his mother, a housekeeper, was employed at the time. He was a bright young man, a hard worker, and became a tenant farmer during his teenage years, participating in the Future Farmers of America. He was even interviewed for television after terracing his farmland, which produced a higher yield than several of the other area farmers. He graduated from Bourbon County High School in 1957. Gene enrolled in one semester at the University of Kentucky, before stumbling upon an Air Force recruitment center. He joined the Air Force, was sent to basic training in Texas, and called his mother from there to notify her that he had left college to join the Air Force. He completed basic training early, and was stationed in Alaska, including during the time that Alaska was admitted as the 49th State of the U.S. in January 1959. After that, he was stationed in Lincoln, NE, where he finished his services and was honorably discharged. During this time, he married his first wife, Sharon, and they had two children: Lori and Steven. He started working in the sporting goods department at Miller and Paine, and then took a job at Brandeis, which moved him to Omaha. Gene soon married his second wife, Donna, and moved to Valley, NE. Because of his strong work ethic, he was kept on as an employee when Younkers purchased Brandeis, and often traveled as a buyer for the company. He then became a department manager in Lincoln, and eventually retired in February 1997. Donna passed away after an illness in September 1999. In November 2001, Gene married Bev, who he knew as an acquaintance from the neighborhood in Ginger Cove, as well as through St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Valley. They are members of the church and enjoyed serving the Lord and the church together. Gene especially enjoyed maintaining the prayer garden at the church and serving on the church council. Gene was the best father his children could have, and a wise grandfather. He was also a wonderful and attentive husband. He enjoyed taking care of others, boating and tubing, playing golf with friends, telling stories, gardening, watching University of Kentucky and University of Nebraska sports, hosting and entertaining, and keeping things neat and clean. He enjoyed traveling back to Kentucky often, as well as taking several trips with special friends Vern and Gerry to Hawaii, Alaska and Arizona, among others. Though it is difficult to summarize 83 years in one page, it is simple to say that the world lost an incredible man, but his legacy of love, service and genuine spirit will live on for generations. Gene was preceded in death by parents, George Washington and Mary Bell Griffin, wife Sharon, wife Donna, son Steven, daughter and son-in-law Lisa and Greg Kibbie. Gene is survived by wife, Bev; daughters: Lori, Denice, and Kathi; son Brad (Kerri); grandchildren: Dan (Rachel), Nichele (Amber), Adam (Sam), Kyle (Justine), Beth, Clayton (Kara), Jeremy (Alexis), Matthew, Rocky, and Carly; 17 great grandchildren; special family and friends: Rose and Harley “Jr”, Larry and Ella, Neal and Linda, Leanna and Carol and Terry; as well as many nieces and nephews. He also cherished many other family members, friends, and his special golf group. Memorial service 10 AM Saturday, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Valley, NE with military honors to follow. Visitation Friday at Reichmuth Funeral Home, Elkhorn from 5-7 PM. Private inurnment at Omaha National Cemetery at a later date. Memorials to the church.

Eugene M. Griffin

June 8, 1939 - September 13, 2022