2023ObituariesStephen Allen Griggs

August 15, 1954 ~ July 12, 2023

Stephen Allen Griggs

Our cherished father, husband, brother, and friend, Stephen Allen “Green Bean” Griggs, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of generosity that will be remembered forever. He was 68 years young.

Steve was born on August 15, 1954 in Los Angeles, California, the son of Kitty Bartlen and Donald Griggs. He joined the U.S. Army at 18 where he became a paratrooper and served as a cook. After being Honorably Discharged he began his career in Los Angeles where he built cars for General Motors. He then ventured out to learn the handyman profession. God gave Steve an incredible set of hands – he had a knack for fixing things. He could do anything from carpentry to electrical work to plumbing.

Upon moving to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Steve met the woman who would become the love of his life, Margaret Moody, i.e. the future Mrs. Griggs. They married in 1996 and shared 27 years of companionship and love. In 2003 Steve became certified as a Crane Operator & Rigger. This career became his pride and joy; Steve was truly fond of being “up high in the cab in the sky.”

As a Crane Operator he got to work all over the country from Alaska to Virginia to Destin and even back to California. His fellow crane buddies affectionately called him “Green Bean.” He held this job until he retired, and even after retiring, would often talk about going back to being an operator.

Although Steve was very serious about his career and role as a provider, that didn’t stop him from being the life of the party. Steve loved to organize outings and get togethers for his wife, daughters, and friends. From music concerts to crawfish boils, he wanted to create special moments with the people he cared for, and that’s what he did. He was a jokester and enjoyed making people laugh. His hobbies also included gardening, camping, fishing, and crabbing. In retirement he continued to do occasional handy jobs for others, but especially around his house. Taking care of the family home was extremely important to him. He loved to work on cars, too, and could often be found underneath a hood or tinkering around his red shed at the home he shared with Margaret.

Green Bean’s family and friends take comfort in knowing that his life did not stop at death. His everyday kindness and discipline will forever echo into the lives of those who knew him. He was known for giving selflessly to those around him. It gave him so much joy to donate his time and talent whenever a daughter, neighbor, or friend was in need. He possessed an amazing personal discipline that led to the achievement of any goal he set his mind to. This desire to be the best in everything he did, this love for setting high standards for himself, will continue to inspire those who knew him to strive for more.

Steve is survived by his loving spouse of 27 years, Margaret Griggs, two daughters by marriage, Alyssa DeCalongne and Charisse DeCalongne, his daughter Alisha Griggs, his grandchildren Maddie, Ariel, Yuna, and Jack, his beloved sister Terry Griggs Lunt Trost, five wonderful nieces and nephews, and his rescue cat who he deeply adored, Boo Boo. He is preceded in death by his parents Kitty Bartlen and Donald Griggs.

Steve’s celebration of life will be held on July 18, 2023 from 5-7 pm at Seale Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service with military honors at 7 PM.

In lieu of flowers his family asks that you make a donation to Disabled American Veterans.