Darrell K. Griggs, 46, died Aug. 30, 2015, after a courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. He was born March 12, 1969, in Hutchinson, to Kendall and Sylvia Griggs.
Darrell graduated in 1987 from Buhler High School, where he was active in cross country and track. He then attended Hutchinson Community College, where he received an Associate's Degree in Pre-Professional Engineering in 1989. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1991 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Darrell worked at Farmland Industries in Dodge City, until 1998, at which time he was transferred to the Farmland Industries plant in Lawrence. He worked there until the plant closed in 2003, at which time he began working for Westar Energy in Wichita. In 2006, Darrell began his career at Piping and Equipment in Wichita, and was employed there until his health no longer allowed him to work in 2011.
Darrell met Christine Marie Clark on a blind date while both were students at Kansas State University in 1991, and they were married Dec. 4, 1993, in Hutchinson. They have three children: Paige, Tyler, and Lauren Griggs. Darrell was very active in their lives - coaching soccer, basketball and t-ball. Darrell found the most joy and contentment in being a part of his children's lives – showering them with love, dry wit, and his presence at every one of their events until he could no longer possibly do so.
Darrell was a man of faith, with an unwavering trust in God, whose life was an example of compassion and giving. He was active in the churches he attended throughout the years; serving on church boards, teaching Sunday school, volunteering in the nursery, and teaching youth bible study.
Darrell is survived by his wife and children of Sedgwick; his mother, Sylvia Griggs, of Hutchinson; and his sister, Janelle Hanson, of Andover. He is also survived by numerous beloved family members, including nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by: his father, Kendall Griggs; paternal grandparents, Lloyd and Annabelle Griggs; and maternal grandparents, Harold and Margaret Leak.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, at First Christian Church, 514 N. Franklin Ave. in Sedgwick, with Pastor Kim Beckwith officiating. The family will greet friends following the funeral service in the church fellowship hall. Private family burial will take place in Halstead Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Rivercross Hospice, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.