Earl James Griffin Jr., passed away October 7, 2026 in Wichita, KS. He was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico to parents Earl James Griffin and Jacqueline Juanita (Allen) Griffin. He was a long time resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico where he lived his dream traveling the southwest as a salesman for Rio Grande Sales Co. Late in his life he moved to be near family and worked as an over the road truck driver out of Wichita, Kansas. He earned his Associate Degree from Wichita State University. Earl loved the southwest heritage and studied the lives of American Indians and United States history, mostly the lives of US Presidents.

Earl was the youngest of six children and told everyone he was special because he was the baby of the family and the only one that was left handed. More important to him than anything in his life was his Catholic faith. One of his favorite things while retired was being part of the Valley Center Senior Center family.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, James Griffin and David Griffin. Survivors include his sisters, Mary (Daniel) Rieth of Woodward, Oklahoma; Patricia (Randall) Powell of Valley Center, Kansas; Catherine Lyons of Palestine, Texas. Nieces and nephews; Bill (Jennifer) Griffin; Jason Daniel (Jassalyn) Rieth; and Jennifer Rieth; Jason G. Powell; Amy (Chris) Stewart; Mary (Jon) Erskine.

Rosary, 9:30 a.m. and Funeral Mass, 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026 at St. Jude Catholic Church, 3030 N. Amidon, Wichita, Kansas.

Baker Funeral Home, Valley Center, Kansas is handling arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com