Clem Hunter Griffin

Clem Hunter Griffin

January 24 1932 - July 29 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Clem Hunter Griffin.

Clem was born on January 24, 1932, in Escalante, Utah, to William Ernest and Clarice Heaps Griffin, the youngest of eight children. He had wonderful memories of his childhood and growing up surrounded by close family and friends, which he loved to share with us.

He married Donita Hendrix on January 1, 1950, in Salt Lake City, Utah; their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple on December 7, 1953. In the early years of their marriage, Clem and Donita lived in Escalante, where he worked in the oilfields and in construction; it was there that their three eldest children (Robert, Mitzi, and Crystle) were born. In 1956 the family moved to Provo, where Clem began his career with Thom McAn Shoe Company and their youngest child (Kelly) joined the family. In 1961 they moved to Murray, Utah, where they raised their family. After 30 years with Thom McAn, Clem and Donita were finally able to fulfill their dream of moving back home to Escalante, where they became deeply active in the community.

Donita passed away on December 7, 1997. Clem married Joyce Wagstaff on July 1, 1999.

Clem and Joyce later served an LDS mission in Columbus, Ohio. After their return, they settled back into life in Escalante, staying deeply involved with the community he loved.

Clem served as Mayor of Escalante from 1990 to 1994 and as Bishop of the Escalante 2nd Ward from 1993 to 1998. He was a member of the Sons of the Pioneers, served on the board of Garfield County Hospital, and worked alongside childhood friend Jerry Roundy and others to help create the Escalante Heritage Center.

Clem was always full of smiles, kindness, and playful mischief. He loved and cared deeply for his friends and family, and he stayed genuinely interested in the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren through his final years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Donita; his parents and siblings; his son, Robert; his daughter, Crystle; his granddaughter, Colette; and his grandson, Ernie.

He is survived by his daughters Mitzi (Tom) Borovatz and Kelly (Kraig) Lundeberg; his wife, Joyce; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-granddaughters.

As a family, we express our deepest appreciation for the love and care given to our dad by Hospice for Utah.

We love you Dad, we will miss you, and we are so happy you got your wish.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 12:00 noon at the Escalante 2nd LDS Chapel. A viewing will be held prior from 10:30-11:30 AM. Burial will follow in the Escalante Cemetery. There will be a live stream available. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti