Robert Lee Griffith, 83, of Mexico, MO, passed away at Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia, MO surrounded by family.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at the Missouri Veterans' Cemetery in Jacksonville, MO with full military honors. Bernie Hogan will be officiating the service.

Visitation will be on Thursday, April 14 from 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. at Arnold Funeral Home.

Robert Lee Griffith was born on January 23, 1939, the oldest son of Robert Wilson and Bessie Marie Griffith in Mexico, Missouri. He attended Mexico School system, graduating MHS in the class of 1957. He enlisted in the US Navy and served aboard the Cruiser, USS Rochester as Yeoman with tours overseas to the far east including Japan, Philippines and Australia. Upon his return home to Mexico, Missouri he married Connie Utterback on March 11th, 1960.  Bobby and Connie had two children, Rodney and Christy.

Bobby was manager of Safford's Shoe Store and later retired from Pearl Motor Company. He served as a Mexico city councilman for multiple terms including being elected Mayor of Mexico.  He was a member of many civic organizations including, Mexico Jaycees, Elks and Moose.

Bobby had one of his most fulfilling and touching experiences in his life in 2019 when he went on his Honor Flight to Washington D.C. with other veterans.  He experienced the 48-hour whirlwind trip with many other veterans. He was one proud American.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilson and Bessie Griffith, grandson Cory Cox, his son Rodney Griffith, grandson Casey Cox and granddaughter Courtney Griffith.

He leaves behind his wife Connie of the home, one daughter Christy (Jim) Lee of Centralia,  grandchildren: Chad (Andrea) Cox, Heather Ward, Hunter Griffith, Boone Lee, Britlyn (Thomas) Brown, one special Danish daughter, Ulla (Poul) Larsen of Odense, Denmark. one brother Jerry (Martha) Griffith of Liberty, one sister Sherry (James) Meissert of Camdenton, 15 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, friends and also his beloved Yorkie, Sophie.

The family requests memorial donations be made to the Cory Lee Cox Memorial Scholarship Fund.  Memorials may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S.  Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.

Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com