Derek Joseph Griffin, 38, of Nixa, MO was called home by the Lord on October 12, 2018. He was born September 01, 1980 to Ronald and Sandra Griffin here in Springfield, MO.

He was a graduate of Nixa High School and went on to take welding at OTC. From an early age, Derek loved sports. He was also an accomplished martial artist. He was on the US Junior Tae Kwon Do team and competed at the GTF world tournament in Italy in 1996 and in Scotland in 1997; bringing home several metals in each tournament. He was a 3 ^rd degree black belt. Derek and his father started martial arts training classes at Missouri Tae Kwon Do. Years later he helped his father teach classes at Nixa Tae Kwon Do. One of Derek's favorite loves was riding his Harley Davidson and was very proud of that bike. He also loved going to the lake with friends. Derek had a big heart and a soft spot for animals. We are all broken hearted that his life was cut way to short. We will miss your smiling face. You will be loved until we meet again. We were blessed to have you for 38 years, rather than not at all. We love you with all our hearts through the good and bad times. Rest in peace son, you are with God now. We will be together again soon.

Derek was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents; Bill and Bonnie Martin, maternal grandfather; Edwin Holm and paternal grandparents Joe and Marian Griffin.

Left to mourn his passing is his parents, Ronald and Sandra Griffin, sister; Ashley and husband Jeff Barnett of Nixa, niece and nephew Kyla and Ryker Barnett, aunt and uncle Rick and Dana Holm and uncle; Scott Perryman, aunt and uncle; Jerry and Sandie Griffin and uncle; Dan Griffin and several cousins.

Family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday October 20 ^th from 10-11 a.m. at the Chapel at Klingner-Cope Family Funeral home at Rivermonte (4500 South Lone Pine). Funeral Service will follow at 11am with internment taking place at Rivermonte Memorial Gardens.