Lt. Col H. Olin Grooms (Ret) passed away on September 22, 2022 at his home in Springfield, MO.

Born December 11, 1934 on a rural farm in Thayer, MO, the family later moved to Bartlesville, OK where he spent most of his years growing up. He attended the University of Oklahoma, where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity.

In 1956, he entered the naval aviation Cadet flight training program, was awarded his wings and was commissioned as 2LT in the United States Marine Corps. He married his hometown sweetheart, Margaret McIntosh, in 1957. Together they had three sons: Gregory Olin, Douglas Merle and Brett James. The family traveled extensively during their 20-year career in the Marine Corps.

During his aviation career, Lt Col Grooms was qualified to fly 15 different types of aircraft. He completed 111 combat missions in Vietnam flying the F4 Phantom, which was his favorite aircraft. He was awarded the distinguished flying cross for heroism in flight. His last duty assignment brought him back to the Midwest as an author/instructor at the Command and General Staff college in Fort Leavenworth, KS.

Following retirement form the Marine Corps, the family relocated to Springfield, MO, where he founded Grooms Office Environments in 1977. This was his passion for the next 38 years.

Springfield was his favorite destination, and he was integrally involved in the community. He served as past president of the Southeast Rotary Club, past president of the Retired Officers Association and member of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce. With his love for aviation, he was especially fond of his seven years on the Springfield airport board, where he also served as chairman. He was generous in supporting many local non-profit organizations, including the Good Samaritan Boys Ranch.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Merle and Elizabeth Grooms; brother, Bob Grooms and sister, Wanda Baldwin.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Margaret; three sons, Greg (Annette) of Springfield, Doug of Chicago and Brett (Sue Ellen) of Charleston, SC; granddaughter Britany Gimlin (Greg) of Springfield; great grandchildren Daniel, Cadence, Rylan and Brayden and sister, Donna Pyles-Coe (Darrell) of Bartlesville, OK.

Funeral Services will be held at 9:30 AM on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow in Missouri Veterans Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Good Samaritan Boys Ranch, 5549 Highway K, Brighton, Missouri 65617 or Rotary Club of Springfield Southeast, 4730 S. National Avenue, Building A1, Springfield, Missouri 65810.