David W. Griffith, 71, of Richmond, died unexpectedly at his home Friday morning, Jan. 27, 2006.

He was born July 18, 1934, in Chicago, Ill., to Herschel H. and Ethel Mummert Griffith.

David graduated from University High School in Bloomington in 1952. He was a Navy veteran serving from 1954-65 stationed on the USS Bennington CV-20 aircraft carrier. He also served in the active Naval Reserve from 1953-61.

David received a bachelor of science degree in business and physical education from Hanover College in 1960. He earned his master's degree in guidance from Indiana University in 1964. He completed sixth year requirements for educational administration from Purdue University in 1967. He received additional training in educational administration at Purdue and Nova Universities.

He served 35 years working in public schools. The first nine years as a secondary teacher in business, physical education, guidance and as a varsity coach. The next 16 years he was a high school principal at Hamilton Heights, Hagerstown, and Switzerland County.

The following 10 years he was a superintendent at Gallatin County Schools in Warsaw, Ky., and Ninevah-Hensley-Jackson in Trafalgar. He retired from Indian Creek Schools in Johnson County.

After moving to Richmond in 1995, David continued to serve public education as a member of the Richmond Community Schools Board of Trustees. He was president of the school board from 2003-2004. David thoroughly enjoyed working with children and was a mentor and "study buddy" for the last several years.

David was honored to be a member and current president of Richmond Noon Kiwanis Club. He was proud of what Kiwanis projects do for children all over the world. He was a board member of the Indiana Football Hall of Fame and volunteered at Richmond Civic Theater.

David loved his sports and faithfully supported Indiana University football and basketball, and the Chicago Bears and White Sox. Most of all he loved reading to his grandchildren and pushing them on the swing in the back yard.

Survivors include his wife of 18 years, Judy; one son, David (Anita) Griffith of Danville; three daughters, Michelle (Rhett) Lewis of Hawthorn, Fla., Carol (Mark) Olive of Centerville, and Susan (Jeff) Thompson of Richmond; 10 grandchildren, Jessica and Jenna Griffith, Tayler and Matthew Solt, Cole and Cuyler Lewis, Samantha and Grace Olive, Brandon (Jessica) Wesler, and Sidne Thompson; two brothers, Charles (Gloria) Griffith of Lexington, Ky., James (Beverly) Griffith of Nebraska; one sister, Jane (Norris) Harrell of Seattle, Wash.; his sister-in-law, Sue Griffith of Florida; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Clarence Griffith.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2006, at Stegall-Berheide-Orr Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Lerseth officiating. Burial will be at Crown Hill Cemetery in Centerville. Friends may call 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Indiana Football Hall of Fame. P.O. Box 1035, Richmond, IN 47375, or Richmond Noon Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 351, Fountain City, IN 47341.

Email condolences may be sent to sbocares@aol.com.

012906-39629526-505

Originally published January 29, 2006

   David W. Griffith