Steven Shawn Griffin
April 30, 1976 - April 12, 2017

Steven Shawn ("Griff") Griffin--devoted family man, cherished friend and respected educator--died unexpectantly on April 12, 2017 at the age of 40. Born on April 30, 1976, Steve grew up in Valparaiso, Indiana where he graduated high school (Class of '94), later earning undergraduate and graduate degrees from Purdue University (Class of '99) and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
Treasured by students and staff alike during his tenure as a social studies teacher and department chair at Elwood High School (Elwood, IN), Steve was an accomplished educator, leader and mentor who also held positions at the Indiana Department of Education, Culver Summer Academy, as well as working as an education consultant. Most Recently, Steve worked as an Instructional Systems Specialist in Social Studies for the Department of Defense Education Activity. Always evident throughout Steve's career was his profound passion for teaching, his deep knowledge of his discipline and his unwavering commitment to students and other teachers that extended well beyond the classroom.
An avid, lifelong sportsman, Steve embodied both the grace and dignity of the athlete as well as the joy and loyalty of the devoted fan he was, especially for his beloved Chicago White Sox and Indianapolis Colts. An accomplished baseball and basketball player throughout his youth, Steve's exploits continued well into adulthood as he amassed multiple fantasy football and baseball championships as well as untold titles on a variety of video game systems.
To his friends, Steve's unfailing compassion and loyalty, his contagious laughter, his affection for people, and his love of music, grilling out and having a good time live on in the many memories he created. Most of all, though, Steve is remembered for his love and devotion to Katie (Kattmann), his partner of more than 20 years, and their two young children, Dylan (age 6) and Maggie (5 weeks). Steve and Katie's 15-year marriage brought them countless adventures in three states (Indiana, Tennessee and North Carolina) along with a lifetime of unforgettable memories.
In addition to his wife and children, Steve is survived by his parents, Ron and Joy Griffin; brother Michael (Becky) Griffin; in-laws Bill, Judy, Ted, O.W. and Angie Kattmann; and his nieces and nephews: David and Clay Griffin, and Samuel, Will, and Ellen Kattmann.
The service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 22 at Leppert Mortuary (740 E 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46240), preceded by a visitation from noon to 2 p.m. A Celebration of Life well lived will follow at The District Tap (3720 E 82nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46240-children are welcome) from 4-8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to help with ongoing educational and therapy expenses for Steve's children may be made online at https://www.gofundme.com/steve-katie-dylan-maggie. Friends and family also are encouraged to e-mail any memorable stories or pictures to grifffamily23@gmail.com. These remembrances will be shared with Steve's children as they grow older and learn to appreciate how truly amazing their dad was.

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