Thomas "Tom" Griffith

Thomas Marshall Griffith, "Cowboy Tom," died November 19th, 2025, at Newton Medical Center. Born August 8th, 1959, as the third child of Kenneth Jack and Leona Griffith, Tom grew up on the farm and loved rural life.

As a child growing into adulthood, he milked cows, showed horses, and worked the fields. After graduating from high school, he took time away from the farm to attend Hesston College, where he met friends who remained dear to him throughout his life.

After college, he transitioned into farming with his father, doing much of the field work. He raised beef calves for sale and trained horses for local residents. He eventually went to work for Harvey County, running heavy equipment at the landfill, and retired from that work when his health became poor. For those who came to his father's Westward Ho! Roundup Suppers, Tom was the fellow driving the team of horses taking guests to the campsite for dinner.

He adored his nieces and nephews, playing silly games with them and giving them rides in his pickup truck. He taught them how to ride a horse and, when they grew older, how to drive his precious truck. Getting teased by Uncle Tom was part of the fun of visiting Grandma and Grandpa.

Tom's health prevented him from doing everything he wanted to do, but he fought to stay on the farm. One of his favorite things to do was sit in front of the house in the evenings and play fetch with his dog.

Survivors include his sister, Susan Agel and her husband Elias; brother, Frank Griffith and his wife Peggy; and sister, Sara Griffith and her husband, Breeze Simmons. His beloved nieces and nephews are Amanda Ward and husband Drew, Kaitlin Crews and husband Dan, Scott Griffith and wife Emma, Megan Hines and husband Alexander, Tyler Griffith, Andrew Ranjbaran, Keemia Ranjbaran, Jacob Ranjbaran, and Kiana Ranjbaran. Grandnieces and nephews are Elijah Ward, Abraham Ward, Paul Ward, Mary Ward, Dean Hines, Leona Hines, and Hazel Crews.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Jack Griffith; his mother, Leona Helen Schmidt Griffith; and infant niece, Masumeh Ranjbaran.

Memorials may be made to Caring Hands Humane Society or Golden Plains Free Methodist Church, and can be left in the care of Petersen Funeral Home in Newton, Kansas.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, December 4th, 2025, at Golden Plains Free Methodist Church, 224 NW 60th, Newton, KS 67114.