Darrel Paul Griffin

Darrel Paul Griffin, a devoted scholar, cherished family member, and passionate community servant, passed away at the age of 71 on July 22, 2024, in Louisville, Kentucky. Born and raised in Iowa, Darrel spent his college years in Berea where he met his beloved wife Brenda. His life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to faith, learning, service, and family.

Darrel was a man of many talents and passions. His professional life was a blend of ministry and diverse vocations, including broom making, book selling, and working at Kroger in the years leading up to his retirement. Throughout his career, Darrel remained deeply committed to serving others, dedicating himself to various ministries across Kentucky, Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois.

A devoted scholar at heart, Darrel spent his life studying and researching, with particular focus on family and church history. His intellectual curiosity led him to learn multiple languages, including German, Greek, Hebrew, Spanish, and computer programming. He also delighted in games and puzzles of all sorts. An avid traveler, Darrel relished exploring the world through road trips and camping adventures across the country, as well as travels to visit family in Canada, Mexico, and Peru.

Music was another significant aspect of Darrel's life. Over the years,he participated actively in church choir, handbell choir, community theater, and community band. His musical journey included singing, creating musical arrangements, playing the trombone and guitar, and teaching himself piano in recent years. 

Darrel's commitment to service was evident in his volunteer work. At the time of his passing, his volunteer activities included food recovery for a local food pantry and teaching chess to children in a local chess club. He was always ready to lend a hand if work needed done, whether it was in the form of helping establish a recycling center for his community, traveling to another state to help a family member put a new roof on a house, or any of hundreds of smaller tasks that people around him needed help with. 

Darrel is preceded in death by his infant brother, Dennis, and his parents Don and Frances Griffin. He is survived by his wife Brenda Griffin; daughters Jennifer (John) Yoshizawa and Dawn (Matt) Griffin (Salyer); and grandchildren Maxwell and Evelyn Salyer and Josie and Madeline Yoshizawa—all of Georgetown, KY. Darrel is also survived by his sister Marquita Klaver and brothers Douglas (Lyn) Griffin, Duane (Linda) Griffin, and Kevin (Diane) Griffin.

Darrel Paul Griffin will be remembered for his insatiable curiosity, his generosity, and his unwavering commitment to his family and community. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the enduring impact of his many contributions.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Berea College or First Presbyterian Church - Georgetown.

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