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Austin American Statesman June 2001 Austin, Texas Bert Griggs completed his earthly life courageously and peacefull in the loving arms of his family on Thursday, June 21, 2001. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Emily Machu Griggs, his three children, Jennifer Paul, Kathy Cowherd and Bert Lee (Buddy) Griggs, Jr., together with their spouses and their families. He was the grandfather of 12 children and the great- grandfather of nine. In addition to his immediated family, he is survived by sisters, Ethel Oliver and Jay B. Scott, his brother Hess Paul Griggs and their families. He will also be deeply missed by Emily's sister, Lillie Mae Warmouth, her husband, Sam, and her children and grandchildren for who he has a special affection. Bert was born in Cache, Oklahoma to Jesse & Betty Griggs, the fifth of twelve children. The family actually had its roots in East Texas and he spent much of his boyhood in and around Van Zandt County where many family members still reside. During the Great Depression, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and worked on public works projects throughout the Western States. In 1939 he joined the United States Army and rose to the rank of Master Sergeant. In Noember, 1940 Bert met Emily while on leave with his best friend, Albert Spacil, her cousin. They married on July 5, 1941. During World War II, he made and survived the D-Day Landing on Normandy Beach and fought with the Allied Forces though the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded three times, yet returned to combat and continued to serve his county and his comrades during part of the occupation of Germany and France. Like many of his generation, he came back home to his wife and daughter, interested only in leading a quiet life void of fanfare, devoted to his family. Because he missed so much of Jennifer's early years, the births of Kathy and Bert, Jr. were special joys to him. The family will receive friends from 1:00pm to 5:00pm, Friday, June 22, 2001 and Saturday, June 23, 2001, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home. A service of thanks and celebration of Bert's life will be held at 2:00pm Sunday, June 24, 2001, in the Colonial Chapel of Cook-Walden Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery. The family will appreciate all memorial donations made in his name, Abiding Love Lutheran Church and CASA of Travis County are two of Bert's and his families interests.
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