April 19, 1949 - April 6, 2023
Funeral service for Roger Groves, 73 of Enid, will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at the Cedar Ridge Wesleyan Church with Pastor’s Ron Olson and Max Colaw officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Anderson-Burris Funeral Home and Crematory.
Roger W. Groves, age 73, died on April 6th, 2023 at Integris Hospital in Enid, Oklahoma after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born in Oklahoma City at the Deaconess Home for Unwed mothers. He was adopted by Fred and Grace Groves and grew up on the family farm southwest of Drummond. Roger attended grade school at Drummond and graduated from Enid High School in 1967. He graduated from Miltonvale Wesleyan College, with an associate of arts degree and played basketball and soccer. In 1970, Roger married Sherry Wheeler and they had two sons, Travis and Wesley. He attended Oklahoma State University and later obtained a BS from Phillips University. In 1971, Roger joined the Air Force and was an instructor pilot and flight test pilot for 6 years at Vance Air Force Base. At McConnell AFB he flew HH1H helicopter air rescue for 4 years. He joined the Air National Guard in 1985 and flew C130H model planes. He volunteered and served in Desert Storm. Roger retired from the Air Guard as Lt. Colonel. In 1986, he joined American Airlines & Flew for 23 years retiring in 2009. Roger was a Captain, check airman, & FAA designee for American.
He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish & hunt. Roger owned & operated Groves Outdoor Sports in Enid for 6 years. In 2003, he married LaDonna Provost Merrifield. They farmed & ranched north of Enid on the Orchard Hill Angus Fram. They enjoyed 19 happy years together.
Roger was a kind man who loved his family, his church, and his country.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Chuck, son Wesley, and grandson Devon.
He is survived by his wife Ladonna, son Travis, grandson, Wyatt and sister, Carolyn.
Memorials may be made in Roger’s name to Cedar Ridge Wesleyan Church or Gideons International.
Condolences can be made to the family online at Andersonburris.com. Honored to be recognized nationally, the past 6 years, for the Pursuit of Excellence award. Because family matters, let us take care of yours. We are proud to own the only crematory in Garfield county and ensure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve while never leaving our care. Visit 3002 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-2700.
Obituaries are posted, in part, due to the generosity of The Commons.
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