John Griffiths Jr.
John William (Johnnie) Griffiths, Jr., 86, of Sparks, Nev., died April 23, 2007, at his home.
John was born Nov. 15, 1920, at McPherson, to John William Griffiths Sr. and Mittie Westbrook.
He graduated from Smith Center High School in 1938, and continued his education at both Wichita State University and Michigan State University with an emphasis in business administration.
John served his country during World War II in the U.S. Navy.
He began his career with Beech Aircraft in 1941 in the material control department at the main plant in Wichita. He was an early employee who was acquainted with both Walter Beech and his wife, Olive Ann, who ran the company for many years after Walter's death.
John was president of the Beech Flying Club at Wichita, an organization that exists to this day. He worked on the Staggerwing airplane project and was present when the first Beech Bonanza flew in 1945.
Although varied and improved over the years, the Bonanza is still in production today.
After 15 years with Beechcraft in Wichita, he went on to work for the Beech distributor in Lansing and later for the Beech distributor in Indiana, where he worked with the legendary Roscoe Turner, a famed air racer.
He operated a motel, restaurant, and gift shop in Homewood, Calif., from 1970-1975. He retired in 1982 from Sacramento Sky Ranch, Inc., in Reno, Nev.
He was a member of the Quiet Birdmen, the Navy League Reno Council, and the Mondongueros Men's Luncheon Group.
John was noted for sending letters to his friends with numerous small denomination stamps and numerous stickers. He also gave away autographed un-circulated $2 bills as a calling card. It was John's trademark for years and during that time he gave away literally thousands of dollars of that little-known currency.
John is survived by his wife, Sandy of Sparks, Nev.; two daughters, Kay Snow of Lansing, Mich., and Patricia and Robert Blakeman of Haslett, Mich.; two stepsons, Wiggo Brown of Visalia, Calif., and Thomas Flaniken of Reno, Nev.; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and four step-grandchildren.
Memorial services were held May 6 at Reno, Nev., with the Rev. Bill Chrystal officiating.
A memorial reception was held at the Elks Club of Reno following the service.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Circle of Life Hospice Foundation, 1575 Delucchi Lane, Reno NV 89502.
— paid obituary
