SPARTA — Walter Joseph “Joe” Griffith, 84, of Sparta died May 10, 2009, at the Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Fla.
He was born July 8, 1924, in Gardner, Va., to the late Jonathan and Ida (Blankenship) Griffith. He was a graduate of Highland High School and a World War II Army veteran.
He is survived by his wife, Betty (Strait) Griffith; children, Rita Collins, Beverly Snyder of Sparta, Barbara Crowl, Candi Crisci of Chesterville, Brett of Mount Vernon and Bart of Lexington; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and brother, Frank Griffith of Centerburg.
He was preceded in death by two brothers; four sisters; and infant granddaughter, Carmen Marie Griffith.
Friends may call Saturday, an hour and a half prior to the 11 a.m. service at the Sparta United Methodist Church, 22 N. Church St., Sparta, with the Rev. John Collins officiating. Interment with military honors will be in the Bloomfield Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Sparta United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 70, Sparta, OH 43350; or the Highland Community Park, P.O. Box 222, Marengo, OH 43334. Condolences at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.