Gary Allen Griffith (53) of Newton

Gary Allen Griffith, age 53, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 5:25 PM – Friday, March 29, 2024, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM - Friday, April 5, 2024, at Saint Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Sainte Marie, Illinois.  The burial will be in the Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Sainte Marie, Illinois.  Visitation will be held Thursday, April 4, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 PM and 9:30-10:30 on Friday April 5, 2024, at the church.  In loving memory of Gary, memorials may be made to the family.  Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois.  The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left by clicking here.

Gary was born on July 9, 1970, in Effingham, Illinois, the first born of Carl and Judy (Waggle) Griffith.  He was a proud graduate of Newton High School, graduating with the class of 1988.  Following high school, he served his country in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1992. Gary became a correctional officer with the Illinois Department of Corrections, retiring in 2020, from the Robinson Correctional Center.

Gary was united in marriage to Anita Kaufmann on September 16, 1995, at Saint Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Sainte Marie, Illinois.

In 2001, Gary started the family business Griffith Lawn Service.  As his children grew, they joined him in this family business learning the values of hard work, dedication, pride in your work and the value of relationships. 

In his free time, he enjoyed watching NASCAR rooting for Dale Earnhart, Jr., Kyle Bush and the late Dale Earnhart, Sr. His favorite time was spent with his wife and children, who were the light of his life.  He cherished his family above all else and found joy in creating lasting memories with them.   

 Although Gary has departed from this world, his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of crossing paths with him.

Gary is survived by-

Wife of 28 years - Anita Griffith of Newton, Illinois

4 Children - Cynthia Griffith (Tristen Boldrey), Claire Griffith (Jake Lindemann), Veronica Griffith, and Ethan Griffith

Parents - Carl & Judy Griffith of Newton, Illinois

Siblings – Julie (Tom) Matson, Jeanne (Chris) Foster, Jason (Amanda) Griffith, and Justin (Christine) Griffith

Father and Mother-in-law- Maynard and Elfrieda Kaufmann of Sainte Marie, Illinois

Brother and Sisters-in-law - Sharon (Ron) Kistner, Karen (Ken) Buerster, Paul (Kate) Kaufmann, Elaine (Marvin) Zwilling, Marie (Jason) Kuhl, Denise (Mark) Pitcher and Teresa (Steve) Klingler

Several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and a great nephew also survive. 

Gary was preceded in death by his grandparents.