Duane "Neil" Griffith, 83, Adrian, MO, died Thursday, November 08, 2018 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, MO.  Funeral services were held Monday, November 12, 2018 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian, MO.   Burial  in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian.  Memorial contributions may be made to Western Missouri Antique Tractor and Machinery Association.

Neil was born July 4, 1935 in rural Pleasant Hill, MO, the son of William Henry and Velma Cora (Belcher) Griffith.  He was a 1953 graduate of Pleasant Hill High School.  After high school he ran the family farm, a few outside jobs and served 8 years National Guard.  He worked 35 years at Western Electric (later known as Lucent Technologies) and retired as a CST (electrician) in 1997.

Neil raised cattle his whole life and was particularly fond of horned Herefords.  He also grew up riding horses and enjoyed many trail rides with family and good friends.  He earned a five year buckle from Eminence, MO trail ride.  Neil thoroughly enjoyed bluegrass, country and gospel music.  He sang and played fiddle, mandolin, guitar and banjo.  He joined in many jam sessions including in the parking lot with co-workers at Western Electric prior to working second shift. He was mentioned in the book "The Fiddlers Dream" that was written about the history of twentieth-century fiddling in Missouri.

Neil would help any neighbor or friend in need.  He thoroughly enjoyed visiting with people and was a pleasure to be around.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Marshall Conrad Griffith and Hugh Wallace Griffith, and one sister in-law, Gerri Griffith.  He is survived by his wife, Juanita Griffith, of the home; one son, Mark Griffith and one daughter, Laura Griffith, all of Adrian, MO; two granddaughters, Katie (Brian) Siercks, Butler, MO, Keara Griffith, Warrensburg, MO, one grandson, Jence Griffith, Adrian, MO and one honorary grandson, Dakota Boston, Pleasant Hill, MO; one sister in-law, Mary Griffith, Greenwood, MO, and several nieces and nephews.