Craig Philip Griffin, 75, of Blue Springs, MO passed away on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, Missouri.
Craig was born in Highland Park, Michigan. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps for nine and half years including a tour of duty in Vietnam. Craig married Joyce Sue Dibben on July 30, 1970. Craig taught 5th grade in Oak Grove, MO, was a children’s pastor at New Life Assembly of God and later at Independence Christian Center. Craig traveled with his wife and his son, Jason, as Seed and Sprouts Children’s Evangelists and later retired from the Internal Revenue Service.
Preceding Craig in death was his wife Joyce, parents Leona Uchtman and Bernard Griffin, a son Jason Andrew Griffin (1991), his brothers David and Randy, and his sister, Deborah.
Craig is survived by his daughter Ashley Loewen, her husband Phil and their children, Isaac, Harmony, and Ezekiel of Cape Coral, Florida, his son CJ Wyatt Griffin, his wife Clarissa, and their children, Wyatt and Abram of Holden, MO. He is also survived by his brothers Steve and Tom, stepsiblings Patty, Denny, Doug, & Paula, as well as numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.
Craig spent his days reflecting the life and service of Jesus. He led numerous children to a personal relationship with Jesus, while teaching them how to live joyful lives in dedication to Him. Craig was generous with his time in helping family members and friends whenever he was needed and he used his expertise in income tax to assist many in accurately filing their taxes every year. Craig loved spending time with others playing games and fellowshipping. He had an infectious sense of humor that brought groans and laughter to anyone he encountered, whether in person or online, and his collection of funny t-shirts was unmatched. Craig’s legacy continues through all those he ministered to during his life here on earth and we rejoice that we will see him again one day.
There will be a celebration of Craig’s life, Saturday, November 22, 2025, at The Alcove, located at 3620 Arrowhead Dr. Independence, MO 64057, from 10:00 to 12:00.
Obituary submitted by the family
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64029 816-847-4441
Jewel (Seward) Olvera
19 Nov 2025It saddens me to hear that Craig has passed. Although there is joy in knowing we’ll see him again! He was part of two churches that we attended, and we were supporters of Seeds and Sprouts Ministry – I remember the school bus that they remodeled to travel in and their joy at leading children to Jesus! My condolences to the family and my prayer for their peace and comfort!!
BarBea
21 Nov 2025Pastor Craig, I’ve been sitting here thinking about you and all the memories we shared over the years. You taught me so many valuable, important, and downright funny lessons. You set me straight more than once, but I always knew it came from a place of love and wanting the best for me.
There are a few things I will never forget:
#1: A lunch box can be so much more than just a lunch box when it’s in the right hands. Whoopie.
#2: Before you flip off the car next to you, make sure it’s not your children’s church pastor! (Sorry again—but you really did cut me off.)
#3: You don’t move the top of your head when you talk, and neither should a puppet.
I didn’t always take your advice or show that I appreciated your guidance at the time—but I listened. And I’m grateful. Thank you for the lessons, the laughs, and the love you poured into all of us.
I’ll carry those memories with me always. See you again someday.