Griffin Berend Obituary, Wichita Falls, Texas Resident Has Died
Griffin Berend Obituary, Death – On April 16, 2023, Griffin Luke Berend, 21, of Wichita Falls, ran into Jesus’ arms. On Saturday, April 22nd, at 2:00 p.m., Dr. Isaac Butterworth and Rev. Michael Morris will officiate at a Celebration of Life service at First Presbyterian Church. The family will greet guests in the fellowship hall following the ceremony. The arrangements are being handled by Lunn’s Colonial Funeral Home.
Griffin was born on December 19, 2001, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Susan (Winstead) and Jay Berend. Before graduating in 2020, he was a member of Rider’s Pride of the Raiders Marching Band and the soccer team’s manager. He belonged to Young Life and volunteered for Capernaum. For a month, he worked as Crew for YL. Griffin had been a member of First Presbyterian Church his entire life, where he was active in youth ministry. He embarked on family mission trips to Nicaragua and Arkansas, served once a month at Faith Mission, and volunteered as a unified Special Olympics partner.
Griffin was a Tarleton State University Junior Criminal Justice student. During his time at Tarleton, he was a member of 1st Baptist Church in Stephenville, where he was active in Paradigm Ministry, served as a small group leader, and participated in multiple spring break mission trips. His girlfriend, Kaitlyn Martin, was introduced to him at Tarleton. They spent a terrific time volunteering at the church, cheering on the Texans, and making lifelong friends. Griffin liked to go hunting and hang out with his family and friends. This summer, he worked at Wind River Ranch in Estes Park, Colorado, where he made many beautiful connections and friendships.
Griffin’s grandparents, Lanny and Mary Sue Winstead, passed away before he was born. His parents, Jay and Susan, and brother, Davis, predeceased him, as did his girlfriend, Kaitlyn Martin; grandparents, Larry and Peggy Berend; aunts and uncles, Landon and Ann Winstead, Ellen Winstead and Mary Kirkham, Will and Anna Berend, and Lee and Beth Berend; and cousins, Emma Claire Winstead, Carsten and Ezra Berend, and Ally and Lawson Berend. Those interested may send memorial contributions to First Presbyterian Church-Outreach. Healing Warriors at Wind River Ranch, Paradigm Worship in Stephenville, Texas, and Young Life WF in Capernaum.