Personal Music History
Started clarinet in 5th grade, sax in 10th grade marching band, symphony, dance band. College professional 1956 - 1962 Dance Band.

Within New Horizons Association
Lou was section leader for the clarinet section in the New Horizons Band for many years. He also played 1st Alto in the UpSwing Jazz Band and clarinet in the DixieSwing Band.

OBITUARY
John Louis (Lou) Griffin, Sr. was born February 26, 1940 in East St. Louis, Missouri to Henry and Ethel Griffin. Lou departed this life on May 5, 2015 at the age of 75. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Kenneth and Jack Griffin, and sister Marilyn Capps.

He completed high school in Belleville, Illinois, and earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Lou was very well respected for his vast knowledge of plating processes in the printed circuit industry. Lou was very passionate about music. He loved singing in the church choir, and playing his saxophone  and clarinet in various bands. He was involved with three bands that were part of the Dallas New Horizons Band Association: Concert Band, UpSwing, and DixieSwing. In addition to New Horizons, Lou played with the Joshua's Experience, God's Big Band, and Larry Johnson's Military Field Band.

Lou is survived by his wife of 35 years, Fradonna, son Lou Griffin, Jr. and wife Ruth of Melissa, daughter Jennifer Lord and husband Aaron of Garland, daughter Christy Parker and husband heath of Pampa, and son David Simmons and wife Lisa of Carlsbad, NM.

His nine grandchildren that he constantly bragged about are Nina Holbeck and husband Griffin, Kaitlyn, Mackenzie, Griffin, Bryce, Kade, Jancey, Bo, and Sadie.

Also surviving him are his sister Marjorie Dehn of Belleville, IL., special nieces and nephews LeeAnn Goodlin, Linda Ascher, Sara Trout, Kim Freeman, Ronald, David, and Steven Seib, Dennis and Robert Capps, and Kenneth Griffin. He is also survived by many dear cousins that were near and dear to him.

Many dear friends held a special place in his heart; and someday when they all meet again, they will have a glorious reunion and one heck of a concert!

Lou was a great husband, father, grandfather, and loyal friend! A memorial service celebrating Lou's life was held 2:00pm, Friday, June 12, 2015, at the First United Methodist Church in Rowlett.