Norvin 'Cork' Wayne Griffing

April 5, 1929 - May 21, 2008

CULBERTSON -- Norvin "Cork" Wayne Griffing of Culbertson died Wednesday, May 21, 2008, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook. He was 79 years old.

Cork was born on April 5, 1929, at Thornburg, Kan., to George G. and Bessie (Logan) Griffing. He attended rural school in Thornburg through eighth grade and graduated from Smith Center High School in 1946.

Cork entered the U.S. Army on Dec. 14, 1950, and served during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 13, 1952.

On Sept. 3, 1955, he was united in marriage to Rose M. DeVall in Phillipsburg, Kan. To this union four children were born. Cork worked in construction and they lived in Superior, Neb., and Courtland, Kan., before settling in Culbertson in 1958. He worked for Bushland Construction and was a ditch rider for Frenchman Valley Irrigation. He worked on bridges as a crane operator for Willie Frick and worked at Parker, and retired from there. Cork and Rose eventually became owners of the R&C Liquor Store in Culbertson.

Cork's hobbies included hunting and fishing, gardening and woodworking. He enjoyed watching the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs and being with his family.

Preceding him in death were his parents, George and Bessie Griffing; one sister, Delores Irene; and three brothers, George Warren, Richard Merrill and an infant, John Thomas.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Rose Griffing of Culbertson; two daughters, Linda and husband, Richard Colvin and Susie and husband, Jim Cartwright, all of Grand Island; two sons, Michael Griffing and wife, Natalie of Holt, Mo., and Alan Griffing and wife, Christina of Kansas City, Mo.; one brother, Bernard Griffing and wife, Esther of Kearney; one sister, Sharon "Diane" and husband, Marion Roadhouse of Osborn, Kan.; one sister-in-law, Roberta Griffing of Prairie Village, Kan.; nine grandchildren, Melissa (Colvin) and husband, Ward Prickett, Sarah Colvin, Erica Cartwright and fiance, Dan Douglas, Kristin Cartwright, Katie Griffing, Sean Griffing, Eric Griffing, Samuel Griffing and Zachary Griffing; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Memorials may be given in his name to St. Jude Children's Cancer Research Hospital.

Friends may sign his book at the funeral home during business hours.

A memorial service will be held Monday, May 26, 2008, 2 p.m., at Carpenter Breland Chapel with Mike Searcey officiating. Inurnment will be at a later time.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.