Arthur Eugene “Gene” Groat, 81, of Royal Palm Beach, FL, entered into the Savior’s presence on Sunday, September 12, 2021, in St. Louis, Missouri. Gene Groat was known for his love of family, infectious smile, laughter, love of studying and teaching the Bible, serving his Lord, singing Southern Gospel music and hymns in quartets, playing dominoes, fellowshipping with friends, spending time outdoors gardening, and hunting, fishing and camping “Down Yonder” with his family. His friends numbered in the thousands, spread across the globe. His wife and he retired to live in Florida, where they were very active, enjoying friends and church ministry. They spent their summers in Missouri visiting with their children, grandchildren, family and friends.

He served in the U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Beret) from 1963-1965 and witnessed history as he stood guard along the route of the funeral procession for fallen President John F. Kennedy in Washington, D.C. He was also the bunkmate of Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler (a fellow Green Beret), who wrote and recorded “The Ballad of the Green Beret.”

He supported his family as a land surveyor all of his career. He was elected and served as Reynolds County, Missouri County Surveyor between 1976-1988. He worked for Associated Land Surveyors from 1988 until he retired in 2006.

He was born November 28, 1939, in DeSoto, Missouri, the son of the late Edith E. (Wilson) Groat and Albert G. Groat, who preceded him in death.

His journey of faith began at age eleven when he was saved from his sins by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and was baptized with his two older siblings on the same occasion. He faithfully served his Lord and Savior as a Sunday School teacher (beginning at age eleven), a Deacon, a Song Leader, an Operation Christmas Child Coordinator, a Small Group leader and a mentor/discipler to many new believers. The passage of Scripture he loved to study and teach was John 15 about Jesus being the vine and believers being the branches. A special verse to him was John 15:7, “If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 56 years: Tryna K. (Faries) Groat, whom he married on June 19, 1965. They served the Lord together all of their married life, beginning at West Overland Missionary Baptist Church, then Lower Doe Run Missionary Baptist Church, Wildwood Missionary Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Arnold and First Baptist Church/Connection Church of Royal Palm Beach, Florida and Connection Church -- Acreage, a church plant. His retirement years were some of his busiest years of ministry. He never retired from serving the Lord and remained faithful to his Lord, his wife, his family and his friends to the very end. He fought the “good fight” showing his strength and courage. He loved life and desired to continue living, even through his illness that led to his eternal homegoing.

He is survived by seven children, so lovingly raised: Todd E. (Nettie) Groat, Tana E. (Tom) Murphy, Troy E. (Laura) Groat, Taryn E. (Kevin) Wallace, Tren E. (Melissa) Groat, Travis E. (Carrieanne) Groat, and Timothy E. (Betsy) Groat. He is “Papa” to 19 “Grands” grandchildren: Claire Wallace, Tucker Groat, Bryan Wallace, Tyler Wallace, Kaylyn Groat, Karlee Groat, Sierra Groat, Gabrielle Groat, Aunika Groat, Wilson Groat, Austin Groat, Karyss Groat, Kolby Groat, Ariana Groat, Korrah Groat, Lucas Groat, Markus Groat, Ainsley Groat and Kalise Groat; and four step grandchildren, whom they welcomed as their own: Shannon Gaffney, Kathleen Gaffney, Taylor Gaffney, and Keegan Dankenbring. There were many others “adopted” into the family throughout the years.

The Groat family moved from Maryland Heights, Missouri to Ellington, Missouri in 1974, and raised their family there. Helping to start a Christian Academy at their beloved Lower Doe Run Missionary Baptist Church, Gene served on the board and sponsored many school trips, driving kids in their own van across the country. These were special years, where life-long friendships and memories were made. The Groat family moved away to Jefferson County, Missouri in 1988, where more memories and friends were made.

He is also survived by three beloved siblings, to whom he was known by his nickname “Deedle” and “Deed”: June (Groat) Cooper, of Claremore, OK, Edward G. Groat, Sr. of Crystal City, MO, and Dan (Arlene) Groat, of Herculaneum, MO. three brothers-in-law and four sisters-in-law: Garey (Cheryl) Faries, Stephen (Jane) Faries, Stan (Patricia) Faries and Arlene (Dan) Groat. Also survived by nephews and nieces: David Cooper II, Bradley (Kay) Cooper, Scott Hampton (Terry) Cooper, Edward Grant Groat, Jr., Suzanne (Daniel Janssen) Gaylord-Janssen, Troy (Holly) Faries, Sherry Trout, Glenn (Tammy) Hodge, Jamie (Shawnta) Hodge, Joey (Sonya) Faries, Wesley (Maria) Faries, Kelly (Barry) Young, John R. (Shila) Faries, II, Jennifer (Andrew) Sheffler, Meghan (Ray) Capulong, Kaitlyn (Sean Crockett) Faries, Allicyn (Erik) Short; many great nephews and great nieces; and Wilson, Carstens and Diecker cousins.

He was preceded in death by a stillborn brother, “Wilson” Groat, a brother-in-law, David Cooper, Sr., his father-in-law, John R. Faries and mother-in-law, Audrey Mae (Graham) Faries, and many other beloved extended family members.

A Memorial Service will be held at First Baptist Church of Arnold, Missouri, officiated by Pastor Tim Boatright and private interment in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis County, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, donations and memorials may be made to Operation Christmas Child.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/arthur-groat/obituary/

Copy