Griffin Luke Berend, 21, of Wichita Falls, ran into the arms of Jesus, on Sunday, April 16, 2023.

A Celebration of Life service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 22 ^nd at First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Isaac Butterworth and Rev. Michael Morris officiating. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the service. Arrangements are under the direction of Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home.

Griffin was born on December 19, 2001, in Wichita Falls to Susan (Winstead) and Jay Berend. He was a member of the Pride of the Raiders Marching Band, and manager of the soccer team, graduating from Rider in 2020. He was involved in Young Life and volunteered with Capernaum. He spent a month doing Work Crew for YL. Griffin was a life-long member of First Presbyterian Church where he was involved with the youth group. He joined his family on mission trips to Nicaragua and Arkansas, enjoyed serving at Faith Mission once a month and volunteered as a unified Special Olympics partner.

Griffin was attending Tarleton State University where he was a Junior Criminal Justice major. While at Tarleton he attended 1 ^st Baptist Church, Stephenville where he was involved with Paradigm Ministry, served as a small group leader and attended various mission trips over spring break. At Tarleton, he was introduced to his girlfriend, Kaitlyn Martin. Together they enjoyed serving the church, cheering on the Texans and making life-long friendships.

Griffin loved to hunt and fish with his family and friends. This past summer he was blessed with the opportunity to work at Wind River Ranch in Estes Park, Colorado, where he made many special connections and friendships.

Griffin was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lanny and Mary Sue Winstead.

He is survived by parents, Jay and Susan, and brother, Davis; girlfriend, Kaitlyn Martin; grandparents, Larry and Peggy (Papa and Bebe) 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.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be sent to First Presbyterian Church-Outreach. Paradigm Worship-Stephenville, Texas, Young Life WF- Capernaum, Wind River Ranch-Healing Warriors.