Ellery Emerson Griffith, Jr.

Ellery Emerson Griffith, Jr., 69 of Independence, MO passed away Thursday, July 25,‬‭ 2024 at Centerpoint Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m.,‬ Saturday, August 3, 2024 at the East Independence Church of Christ located at 2020‬ Rte. 291, Independence, MO 64057. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. until‬ service time Saturday at the church. A graveside service with full military honors will be‬‭ held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 5, 2024 at the Selmore Cemetery in Ozark, MO.‬‭ Ellery was born October 30, 1954 in Kansas City, MO to Ellery E. Griffith and Betty‬‭ (Page) Griffith and has been a lifelong area resident. He graduated from William‬‭ Chrisman High School in 1973 and attended Harding University until he transferred to‬ the White’s Ferry Road School of Preaching. He proudly went on to serve in the United‬‭ States Army Military Police Corps and later in the Missouri National Guard.‬  He was a lifelong Christian and began his career in preaching at the Church of Christ in‬‭ Blossom, TX. He went on to lead other congregations including the Churches of Christ‬ in Union, MO and Archibald, LA.‬  Later in life, Ellery worked for the City of Independence for several years in the Street‬ and the Parks & Recreation Departments until he retired in 2018. He enjoyed cooking,‬‭ gardening and spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren. He‬ was a member of the East Independence Church of Christ.‬ ‭ He is survived by his wife, Teresa Griffith of the home; 5 daughters: Tamara Griffith,‬ Candice McGee (and husband Tony), Sophie Griffith, Lauren DuPont and Kristen‬ Griffith; 3 sons: Caleb Griffith, Drew Griffith and Aaron Griffith; a sister, Rowena Griffith;‬ 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents‬ and a son, Dustin Griffith in 2014.‬ ‭ Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com‬ Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600‬