David Robert Griffith, of Warsaw, Indiana went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the age of 70. He passed away unexpectedly at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana after suffering many health issues. A servant of God, he loved his life as a missionary and especially sharing the Word and leading others to Christ around the world.
He was born on Aug. 26, 1953, in Hastings, Mich. David was one of three children born to Joyce Elvirta Polman and Rev. D. Robert "Bob" Griffith. At the young age of 21, David married Susan Elaine Suter on Aug. 9, 1975, in South Bend. The Lord blessed them with three children, who later made them proud grandparents multiple times during their 48 years of marriage together before David passed away.
Dave graduated from Souderton Area High School in 1971. Following his passion for ministry, he first pursued a bachelor’s degree in history, followed by his Master of Divinity at Grace College and Seminary in Winona Lake earning his degree in 1980 and was ordained to ministry in 1985.
Throughout his life, David embodied love and devotion, especially to his family. His children fondly remember him as a joyful and supportive father, always present and cheering them on in their various activities. He loved his wife dearly, and together, they devoted much of their lives to serving the Lord in France.
David often talked about being called to serve in France at theage of 10, inspired by the words of Tom Julien during a camp he attended. His love for people was evident in every aspect of his life, consistently placing others' needs before his own and steadfastly guiding them toward Christ.
The arrival of grandchildren brought immeasurable joy to David's life, though he humorously wished to be called "Double Dad" instead of Grandpa, a request lovingly overruled by his children. Despite health challenges, his steadfast faith remained unwavering and he continued to serve as a fervent ambassador for the Lord.
David's departure leaves a palpable void in the hearts of all who knew him. Yet, his legacy of love, faith and selflessness will endure, a testament to a life lived in service to God and others. He will be deeply missed on this side of Heaven.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Susan Griffith, Warsaw; two daughters, Jessica (Caleb) Green, Saratoga Springs, Utah; Jennifer (Corey) Palmer, Warsaw; and his beloved eight grandchildren: Jocelyne, Colin, Elliott, Micah, Devin, Melanie, Jackson and Theo. Also surviving is his brother, Steve (Rose) Griffith, Canyon Falls, Minn.; and his sister, Kathy (Bob) Burns, Westfield. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeremy Griffith, in 2023; and his parents, Rev. Bob and Joyce Griffith.
Dave's life will be celebrated at 1 p.m on Tuesday, April 2 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, and officiated by Pastor Bruce Barlow. Friends and family may visit prior to the service from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw.
Memorial donations in David's memory may be directed to Encompass World Partners, 5938 Buford Highway NE #216, Doraville, GA 30340.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.