Billy W. Griggs

Billy W. “Bill” Griggs, 79, died Sunday Feb. 13, 2011 at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal, KS. He was born March 20, 1931 in Dora, Texas the son of Charles A. and Nadine (Perry) Griggs. He has been a resident of Liberal for the past 35 years. In 1975, he and his wife started Liberal Gasket Manufacturing Inc and he was proud of its success and continued to operate the business until his death. He was a member of the NRA, Liberal Airport Board, AOPA (Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association), EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association), Civil Air Patrol and was a Southern Baptist Deacon. His hobbies were rebuilding vintage airplanes and he was a gunsmith. He served in US Army during the Korean Conflict. On Dec. 31, 1957, he married Joan Christian at Lovington, N.M. She survives. Other survivors include. 1 Son Gregory Wayne Griggs Houston, TX 2 Daughters Mary Catherine “Cathy” Rezendes Colorado Springs, CO Connie Lynn Rose Topeka, KS 3 Grandchildren Jeff Seegle Marshall, TX, Carson Rezendes Colorado Springs, CO, Rachel Robinson and husband Jimmy Topeka, KS 1 Great-Grandson Jacob Robinson.   He was preceded in death by his parents.   Funeral service will be held 11:00 am Thursday Feb 17th at Brenneman Funeral Home Chapel with Mark Anderson presiding. Burial will be held in Liberal Cemetery.   Visitation time 1 to 8 pm Wednesday with the family present from 6 to 7 pm to greet friends at Brenneman Funeral Home. Memorials may be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in care of Brenneman Funeral Home 1212 W. 2nd Liberal, KS 67901