Theodore Griffin, Sr

OpelousasA Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2014, at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church for Mr. Theodore Joseph Griffin, Sr., age 86, who was known to many as Ted. Rev. Msgr. Keith J. DeRouen and Msgr. Jeff DeBlanc will concelebrate the Mass. Interment will follow in the Holy Sepulcher Mausoleum.
Mr. Griffin passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2014, at his residence. He was a native of St. Louis, MO, and a longtime resident of Opelousas. He was a graduate of Catholic Central High in Springfield, OH. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from SLI in Lafayette, his Masters Degree in Education from LSU in Baton Rouge and continued post graduate studies at SMU in Dallas, TX.
His 40 years devoted to public education began with teaching high school Biology, Physics and Chemistry. He later became Principal of Opelousas Jr. High School. Then he assumed the positions of Curriculum Director and Director of Media Services for St. Landry Parish School Board.
Mr. Griffin was a US Navy veteran who served in the Naval Medical Corp. during WWII with an Honorable Discharge. He was a long standing member of the local American Legion Post 45 of Opelousas. He was active in both civic and fraternal organizations. As a member of the Opelousas Kiwanis Club, he was a 3time Kiwanian of the Year and also served twice as Lieutenant Governor for the State. As a member of the Knights of Columbus, he was a 3rd and 4th Degree and Grand Knight. He was also a longtime parishioner and member of the Usher Society of Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church.
He was awarded Teacher of the Year, Opelousas Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, and Certificate of Merit awarded by the National Academy of Sciences for outstanding achievement of the promotion of science in Louisiana Schools.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Beverly Moncla Griffin of Opelousas two sons, Theodore Joseph Griffin, Jr. and wife, Susan Aymond Griffin of Spring, TX and Samuel Lewis Griffin, Sr. and wife, June Wheaton Griffin of Opelousas two daughters, Janet Griffin Ward of Tomball, TX and Gretchen Ann Griffin of Somerville, MA five grandchildren, and seven greatgrandchildren.
Mr. Griffin was preceded in death by his parents, Helen Lewis Griffin and Ray Griffin and his sister, Patricia Carter.
Pallbearers will be Ted Griffin, Jr., Sam Griffin, Sr., Sam Griffin, Jr., Wayne Glankler, Daniel Burch, and Taylor Nipp.
Visiting hours will be observed in the Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas on Monday, April 14, 2014, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. On Tuesday, the visitation will continue in the funeral home from 8:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. on Monday evening.
The family would like to extend special a thank you for the compassionate care given by Gerard Charles, Ella Mae Rubin, Shirley Rubin, and Mary Denton.
Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas.

Visitation

Sibille Funeral Home
2309 George Drive
Opelousas, LA  70570
Monday, April 14, 2014
4pm8pmTues8am12:30pm

Service

Mass

Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church
2125 S. Union St.
Opelousas, LA  70570
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
1pm

Rosary

Sibille Funeral Home Chapel
2309 George Drive
Opelousas, LA  70570
Monday, April 14, 2014
6 pm

Cemetery

Holy Sepulcher Mausoleum
822 North Union
Opelousas, LA  70570