Don Riffe

Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 (NIV) My grandad's favorite verse:

19 Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. 20 They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.

My grandad went to be with Jesus. My heart hurts.  His funeral was yesterday and it was an emotional couple of days.  

My grandad was an amazing man.  He loved the Lord and anytime anyone would ask how he was he would say "I'm blessed."  He was so proud of his kids and grandkids.  He himself had pages and pages of accomplishments but that is not what he wanted to talk about.    He was president and/or in leadership roles in everything he had his hand in and he did it so humbly. His family, friends and community will miss him greatly. 

 

I revere my mom.  She is such a hard worker, she was tough but never harsh.  She is generous.  Everything she is a part of she is in some kind of leadership role.  To know my mom is to love her.  She is so much like her dad. Handling my own grief has been hard but watching my mom upset is worse.  The way she feels about her dad is the way I feel about her.  

My grandad and grandmother have 5 kids (their 5 spouses) all still married - 12 grandkids (4 spouses)- one spouse added in June and 6 great grandkids.  

There were tons of pictures from 89 years of life.

My Grandad at age 4

This picture had a story on the back.  My grandmother just had my aunt Carrie and she asked my grandad to take my mom (3) and my Uncle Andy (5) away for a little while.  Grandad took them fishing at Cimarron Canyon, Eagles Nest New Mexico.  Laura's favorite part was washing the car and picking up beer cans.

My grandparents worked hard all their lives.  My grandad came back to live in Stratford after Graduating from SMU and being in the Air-force to work at the family business. He believed to bloom where you are planted  and he generously gave to the community his time and money. 

We were fortunate to go on many large vacations all together.  My grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins have been on  many camping trips in Red River,  a couple of  cruises,  Chicago by train, Disney world and a few ski trips.  Family is so important. The memories and crazy stories get retold at Thanksgiving get funnier every time they are told.  

My grandparents drove to countless actives throughout my life.   When I was in 2nd grade my grandad took me to a daddy/ daughter girl scout camping trip  that took place in the fall.  My dad couldn't go because of his football work schedule so my grandad stepped in.  I remember him singing a ridiculous song about a wizard around a campfire and making s'mores.  They made it to awards assemblies, basketball games, track meets cross country meets.  They went to my church when I was singing and speaking.  They visited me at McMurry and took Chris and I out to eat.   They went to all 3 of my graduations, wedding and came to visit both my babies when they were born.  They traveled to Harker Heights when my grandad Carter died 12 years ago to be there for my dad and mom.  They showed up to everything.  

He loved my grandmother and held her in the highest respect.  He talked about how blessed he was to have her and told all who would listen about how amazing she was.  He showed my mom what kind of man to marry and  showed her the love she deserved.  My dad talks about my mom the way grandad talked about my grandmother. I have picked a man that treats me the same.  Caroline and Ali know exactly how they should be treated and this is continually modeled daily for them.    My grandad has set this kind of  love into motion for generations to come.    

I am sad to say good bye but I know I will see him again and guess this gives me a little comfort. 

This poem was found in my grandad's bible.  My cousin Luke and Austin read it at the funeral.  All 12 grandkids stood up there behind both boys.  The knot in my throat  wouldn't allow me to speak but both boys read it beautifully. 

I'm Free 

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard his call,
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I've found that peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My Life's been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch,

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.

DONALD'S OBITUARY

Donald Keith Riffe, 89 of Stratford, passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2019.  Funeral services are scheduled for 10 o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church in Stratford. Interment will follow in the Stratford Cemetery. 

Donald Keith Riffe, born April 9, 1930 to Emma Shirley Kugle Riffe and Earl Nathan Riffe.  He attended Stratford schools and graduated high school from New Mexico Military Institute plus one year Jr. College.  He graduated from Southern Methodist University with a BA degree.  Don was in the first class of Air Force ROTC at SMU and received his commission 2nd LT. from General Dwight Eisenhower.  He was called into the service at the end of his Jr. year and was an Air Radar Instructor from 1951-1952. Don returned to SMU and graduated in 1954 then returned home to the family business, Stratford Grain Company. He remained in the reserves until 1965.  He married the girl who lived across the courthouse block, Gaynelle Parker in 1956.  They added to this union five children: Andrew K. (Karen) Riffe, Laura (Stan) Carter, Carrie (Jim) Smith, Diann (Wade) Williams and Christopher N. (Ronna) Riffe.  A full house, 2 Jacks and 3 Queens.

Don served on the Stratford City Council, Stratford School Board  for 12 years-2 years as  President; President of Stratford Lions Club. He also served on the Llano Estacado Boy Scout Council Board and was President during the transition to Golden Spread Council, receiving the Silver Beaver Award.  He served the United Methodist Church as teacher, lay leader, conference delegate and trustee for McMurry University in Abilene. He served on the Amarillo Area Foundation Board and was past director of First State Bank in Stratford.  Don was the Stratford Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 1973.

The family business, Stratford Grain Company established in 1928, is an active supporter of the community, schools, and area and grain business.  Don is a Past President of Panhandle Grain and Feed, past board member of Texas Grain and Feed, past board member of the National Grain and Feed, serving as president from 1978-1980. He also is President of Farmers Elevator in Goodwell, Oklahoma.

His third love next to family and business was golf.  He was a founder of the Stratford Country Club serving as the first President.  He was past president of “Tri-State Seniors” in Pampa, honored with the Col. Bogey Award. He played many years in the “Life begins at 40” tournament in Harlingen and was privileged to play at many outstanding golf courses with special people and friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Emma Shirley, his father, Earl, second mother, Mary Martin Riffe, and brother Conrad.  He is survived by his wife, children, 12 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren; brother William ”Bill” and sister Linda Spurlock, nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Memorials may be made to the Stratford Area Foundation-JB Riffe Foundation Sherman County or Texas County in care of First State Bank of Stratford, PO Box 48, Stratford, TX 79084.