Joe Griffin March 6, 1926 - May 19, 2017

“Ragtime Joe” — Joe Gene Griffin, 91 Ozark, MO passed away Friday, May 19, 2017. Joe was born March 6, 1926 to DJ and Nellie (Mason) Griffin in Springfield, MO. He attended school in Springfield (Bowerman, Reed and Central). Joe proudly served in the Navy during WWII. He was known for his love of entertaining and music, including telling good jokes and playing the piano, drums and bass. Joe participated in the Central High Band and Orchestra, State Guard Band, played in the Jerry Pettit Orchestra, Downtowners Band, Glen Boyd Band, Rancy Burch Band, Speedy Haworth and the Dave Drennon Show. Joe enjoyed 30 years performing on the Baldknobber Show in Branson, Missouri where he was known as “Ragtime Joe.” Joe wrapped up his performing years at the Paradise Steak House in Branson where he played piano and visited with many friends. Joe’s life was full of fun; he always had a great sense of humor and enjoyed all aspects of his life from dune buggies, motorcycling, boating, camping and the love of his life, which was music and entertaining. Joe proclaimed Jesus Christ as his Savior and is leaving this worldly life as a Christian to a new life in Heaven. He is survived by his loving friend and wife, Faye Griffin; daughter Taylre Griffin-Garrison and son-in-law Nick Garrison; sons and daughters-in-law Ron and Sandy, Jerry and Sandie and son Dan. Joe has four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Joe had an extended family that meant the world to him; Woods; Alan, Shirley, Cindy, Debbie, Mike, Wyatt, Kylie, Aunt Holly and Duane, Don and Barbara Bobbett, Norma Woolley and his Riverdale Church Family. Joe had many, many friends in the Ozark and Branson Communities where he spent the last 30 years of his life. At heart, Joe’s passion was his music and entertaining. He found an audience wherever he was whether it be the Sand’s Café, the hospital, dinners with family and friends, Church or the thousands of people he entertained in Branson while with the Baldknobber Jamboree. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday, May 22, 2017. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 23 in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark, with Pastor Jamie Bilyeu officiating. Burial will follow with full military honors at Missouri Veterans Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Riverdale Baptist Church in Nixa for the Least of These Fund. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com.