Ollen Bert Griffin, age 71, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away at his home on Monday, May 30, 2005. Born in Mississippi County, Arkansas, on April 6, 1934, he was the son of the late Sam Yell and Lydia Iona (Ingram) Griffin. A former resident of Houston, Texas, Mr. Griffin had lived in Heber Springs for seven years and was a sales estimator for construction projects. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, having served for six years. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Mr. Griffin loved his family. He enjoyed people, meeting new friends, and entertaining them with his stories. Mr. Griffin also enjoyed water sports and the outdoors. He was a member of Arbanna Baptist Church at Mt. View. Mr. Griffin loved the Lord and enjoyed reading the Bible. In addition to his parents, Mr. Griffin was preceded in death by two brothers, Harley Griffin and J. L. Griffin. He is survived by his wife of forty-nine and a half years, Janice A. (James) Griffin of Heber Springs; two daughters, Pamela Kay Merritt and her husband, Don, of Riverview, Florida, and Beverly Shea Clark of Heber Springs; four brothers, Raymond Griffin of McRae, Georgia, O'Neil Griffin of Kerrville, Texas, Virgil Griffin of Red Level, Alabama, and Mike Griffin of Houston, Texas; three sisters, Sylvia Kinnett of Aiken, South Carolina, Doris Taylor of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Patsy Bodie of LaLuz, New Mexico; one aunt, Viola Ingram of Bay, Arkansas; and two grandchildren, Dustin Merritt and Haleigh Clark. Mr. Griffin is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his many friends.

Visitation will be held Tuesday and Wednesday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 2, at 11:00 a.m. in the Olmstead Chapel with Rev. Jim Chandler officiating. Interment will follow in Cleburne County Memorial Gardens with military honors by the V.F.W. Post 3543. Pallbearers will be Don Merritt, Dustin Merritt, Mike Griffin, Michael Griffin, Roland James, and Jimmy James. Honorary pallbearers will be O'Neil Griffin, Virgil Griffin, and Raymond Griffin. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Inc.