Thomas Leroy Groves' Obituary
Thomas Leroy Groves went home to be with his Lord and Savior on April 11, 2026, after 86 years of a life lived with purpose, faith, and an unwavering love for his family. Though heaven gained a great man, the world he leaves behind is immeasurably richer for having had him in it.
Born on October 23, 1939, Tom was a man who seemed to understand from early on what mattered most — God, family, and doing right by both. He carried himself with a quiet, steady integrity that people noticed without him ever having to announce it. His word was his bond. His character was his legacy.
For 64 years, Tom walked hand in hand with the love of his life, Linda. That kind of love — faithful, enduring, through every season — is rare and remarkable, and it was the heartbeat of everything he built. Together they raised three sons, Brian, Phil, and Jeff, and created a home where faith was not just spoken but demonstrated daily.
Tom delighted in his grandchildren — Darrell, Thomas, Kallie, Emma, Chase, Isabella, and Trey — and had the profound joy of watching his family grow to include six great-grandchildren. He was the kind of grandfather whose presence made children feel safe, seen, and deeply loved.
He was, to the core, a man of God. His faith wasn't a Sunday-only affair — it shaped how he treated people, how he handled hardship, and how he approached every ordinary day with grace and gratitude.
And let it be known, he bled orange. As a die-hard Oklahoma State University Cowboys fan, Thomas brought the same passion to Stillwater as he did to everything else he loved — fully and without apology. Go Pokes.
Thomas is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Groves; sons Brian Groves, Phil Groves, and Jeff Groves and his wife Alisa; grandchildren Darell Snelson, Thomas Snelson, Kallie Groves, Emma Jackson, Chase Brawner, Isabella Groves, and Trey Groves; and six cherished great-grandchildren; and sister, Rebecca Kennemer.
He was not just a good man. He was the good man many of us measure others by.
Well done, Tom. Well done.
A life well-lived is never really over — it echoes forward in everyone it touched.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 AM, on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at South Tulsa Baptist Church.
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