Claude Griffith

Claude William Griffith, Jr. ("CW", "Dub", "Mooney", "Papa" and "GP") was born in Clayton, N.M. on June 4, 1930, to C. W. Griffith, Sr. and Idelle Youngblood Griffith. He lived most of his life in Weatherford and Mineral Wells. His career serving his country in the US Army, US Army Reserve and US Army National Guard spanned over 30 years, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer III. He was a 63-year member of the Masonic Lodge fraternity, reaching the esteemed post of Grand Master. Dub was blessed to be married to the love of his life, Mae Janess, for over 63 years. He had several nicknames but by far the one he loved the best was "Dad." He was a wonderful father and role model to his 3 sons, Mark and Cody Wilbanks, and Guy Griffith. Dub loved life, family, friends, cooking, helping others and fixing anything mechanical. Everyone who knew him said Dub was the happiest, kindest person they ever met. His integrity, optimism and positive attitude were a beacon of his faith and a ministry to all who knew him. In retirement, he loved to travel the nation he defended for so long, making friends wherever he and Mae traveled in their RV. A faithful member of Indian Creek Baptist Church, Dub went home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 17, 2019. He was predeceased by his parents, sisters Claudia Calhoun and Wilma Barnes, and his eldest grandson Robert Wilbanks. He is survived by his loving wife, his 3 sons, daughter-in-law Lynanne Swinson Wilbanks, brother-and-sister-in-law Mark and Joyce Ford, grandchildren Stefanie Reese and husband Joe, Jodi Johnson, Brian Griffith Wilbanks and wife Sarah, 12 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and innumerable friends. Visitation and celebration of life services will be at Baum Carlock Bumgardner Funeral Home in Mineral Wells on Thursday 6-8 pm and Friday at 10 am, respectively. Interment will be at Oakland Cemetery in Weatherford immediately thereafter.