Melvin Griggs

Melvin Ray Griggs, age 81 of Clay Center, left this earthly life on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, being cared for at the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice House and surrounded by his loving family.

Mel was the second son that came into this life on September 22, 1940, to Merle and Minerva (Armbruster) Griggs.

He lived out his childhood and attended school at Kipp, Kansas.

He married Donna Jean Henry on November 9, 1958. His last weeks were surrounded with laughter and joy with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Donna of Clay Center; first born son, Kevin and wife Anita of Clay Center; daughter, Kimberly and her life partner Scott of Stilwell; daughter Kay and husband Tim of Topeka; last born Kent and wife Brandi of Clay Center; nine grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.  He also has a bundle of nieces and nephews on both sides of his family. He was blessed with a lot of preciousness. He will join his family that has passed before him and God to enjoy peace, beauty and contentment. His brother Vern passed this year and he lost his father in 1951 and his mother in 1986.

He gave his talents with love, as a gift to churches wherever he landed including 40 plus years at the St Paul’s Episcopal, always on call to use his expertise.

He and wife Donna moved to Clay Center in 1968 and purchased Jackson Electric motor repair and expanded it into Griggs Electric. His skills were God given and he could fix almost anything.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at the Clay Center United Methodist Family life center with Pastor Reuben Langat officiating. In lieu of respects calls, the family will be available to greet his cherished friends of the community at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday before service. A family graveside service will be after lunch at the Broughton Cemetery on the hill overlooking the abundant Clay County landscapes where Mel enjoyed his photography.  

Memorials have been established to Clay Center Common Ground Ministry and Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice in Manhattan. Contributions may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.