Aaron Paul Griffith

Aaron Paul Griffith, 72, of Mt. Zion, IL, passed away at his home February 1, 2026, surrounded by his wife, son, and daughter. Aaron was the son of Paul and Frieda “Marcella” Bliss (Griffith). They preceded him in death. He was born February 27, 1954, in Denver, Colorado, the son of an Air Force veteran. He lived in various places growing up.

He was a 1972 graduate of Rantoul Township High School. He received his Bachelor’s in Science of Chemistry from the University of Illinois. After a few jobs he settled at Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) where he worked in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Clinton, Iowa, before returning to Decatur. Aaron worked for more than 46 years for ADM researching various process in producing food stuffs and chemicals. He contributed to the analytical department in many products. From malting, cadaverine, soybean isoflavones, lysine and many other products.

Aaron was scientifically minded and deeply religious, proving that science and faith are not mutually exclusive. He attended numerous churches with most recently finding his church family at Vintage Church in Decatur, IL.

In 1990, Aaron met Angela (Angie) Hjelmaas in Clinton, Iowa, at the First United Methodist Church. Two years later, Aaron would marry Angela and become a father to Angela’s daughter, Caitlin. Before moving back to Decatur in 1994, Aaron and Angela welcomed Paul Drake Griffith in 1993.

Aaron took great pride in his children and watching them perform in show choir, band, and numerous other events.

He loved spending time with his wife Angie, be that quiet nights at home, or traveling. He also enjoyed digital photography, shooting guns, church, work, and his dogs.

He is survived by a family whose lives were all heavily impacted by his legacy. His wife Angela, daughter Caitlin Lambird and husband Mark, of Olney, son Drake of Mt. Zion, Mother-in-law Judith Hjelmaas, of Clinton, Iowa, sister Nancy Moulton, of Newton, Illinois, brother-in-law Reid Hjelmaas and Judy, of Overland Park, Kansas, grandchildren Aubrey, Asher, and Andrew Lambird, several nephews, nieces, great nephews, nieces, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Frieda (Marcella) Griffith, father-in-law Jan Robert Hjelmaas, and brother Timothy Griffith.

His family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Gentiva Hospice for their outstanding care and kindness they showed Aaron in his final days.

Aaron had a famous phrase in the lab “I’m in the thinking about it stage.” Aaron was a kind, gentle man that deeply considered all his decisions. Aaron’s character showed this not just at work, but also at home and in all aspect of life. Please remember a fond memory of Aaron the next time you find yourself in the “thinking about it phase,” so that his character will live on as his legacy.

A service will be held on February 28, 2026, at 11 am at Renaissance Church, 432 N Water St, Decatur, IL 62523. A meal will follow after the service at the church.