Leroy Warren Groves

Leroy Warren Groves

Leroy (Roy) Warren Groves, 78, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 21, 2014, at Midland Care Services, in Topeka, Kansas. Roy was born in Topeka, at home, on August 29, 1935. He was the third child of Grace and Arthur Groves.

He married Marjorie Kathleen (Kathy) Reece on October 2, 1952, and fathered five children: Wayne, Derral, Keith, Bonnie (Groves-Brown), & Tammy (Baldwin). Roy later married Zelma M. Manchester (Carpenter) in October of 1966.

Roy operated a backhoe for over 44 years, during which time he owned his own company Groves Backhoe Service, before retiring.

One of the many hobbies that Roy enjoyed was being a square-dance caller for the Capper Foundation Kids, as well as designing board games, playing horseshoes, fishing, and camping. Even with the many diversions Roy occupied himself with, one of the most satisfying was his artwork. Roy created a number of three-dimensional artworks of historic buildings in and around the Topeka area, including Emporia - and all were made from slivers of wood. Roy's favorite artwork was the one he did of the First National Bank (which was demolished in June of 1995); the wood used in its construction was taken from the razed bank building itself, and of which the frame was made from the door of the bank.

Roy's military service ended with an Honorable Discharge from The U.S. Air Force, at Parks Air Force Base, in 1952.

Roy is preceded in death by his parents Grace and Arthur, brothers Arthur Jr., Donald, and Kenneth, and two sisters, Delores (Tink) Werner and June (Faye) Staggs. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie K. Marsh; Patsy Kendall, caretaker/companion; brother and sister, Robert Groves and Judy Cochran - as well as his children, 16 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and one Chihuahua named Chico.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2014, at 12:00 noon, at Mount Hope Cemetery, 4700 SW 17th Street, Topeka. Donations may be sent to the Midland Care Hospice.

August 29, 1935 - June 21, 2014