Dennis Michael Griffin

Dennis Michael Griffin finished his remarkable 84 year run on July 25, 2026. Known to his friends as “Mike,” he was born in Bellows Falls, Vermont, to Dennis and Mary Griffin, first generation offspring of immigrants. From modest beginnings, Mike would go on to have a standout academic and athletic career at Bellows Falls High School where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball, as well as student government and theater. After graduation, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and this leap of faith would change his life forever.

While on assignment in Seattle, he would meet Jolene O’Meara, a native of Hamilton, Montana on a blind date that would eventually turn into a 63 year marriage of love and adventure with stops in five states. After marriage in 1963, Mike enrolled at Western Montana where he earned a degree in English and a Master’s in Education. He was a standout for The Bulldogs in basketball and baseball. He is now a member of Western Montana’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

His first post graduate job was as a teacher and coach at Corvallis Middle and High School. After two state tournament runs, Mike decided on a career change and joined the FBI as a special agent. That job would lead Mike and his family to stops in California, Arizona, Virginia, and ultimately Kentucky where all three boys attended high school. Mike and Jolene attended the high school and college basketball games of their three boys all of whom played on full scholarships.

After a brief retirement, Mike returned to work as Chief of Police for the Oldham County Police Department from 2003 to 2010. Mike and Jolene have spent the last decade attending the games of their grandsons. He was known to everyone as the scorekeeper at the very top of the bleachers.

Mike is survived by his wife, Jolene, his brother, Terry, and sister, Leigh. In addition, his  children, Jim(Deidre), Jeff(Joni), and Tim(Leslie), as well as multiple grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be 4pm-8pm, Friday, August 7th and Saturday, August 8th from 12pm -2pm at LaGrange Baptist Church.  A Memorial Service will begin at 2 pm.

Memorial Contributions may be made to your favorite Veterans charity of choice.

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