Donald E. Grooms

Donald E. Grooms, 87, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 27, 2015. Marianne Grooms, also 87, passed away peacefully at home five days later, on Wednesday, April 1, 2015.

Don was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1927 to the late William and Betty (Schmidt) Grooms. Marianne was born October 26, 1927 to the late Clarence and Agnes (Scheilbelhut) Myers.

Marianne and Don were joined in marriage on October 23, 1948 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church of South Bend, and were happily married for 66 years before passing.

Don and Marianne are survived by their son, Gary (Susan) Grooms of Granger; daughter, Louanne (Rick) Grooms of South Bend; and five grandchildren, Amanda Smiley, Adam Grooms, Abbie Grooms, Jill Hunter and Shane Claycomb.  Marianne is also survived by two brothers, Paul Francis Myers and Louis Charles Myers, both of South Bend. Don is survived by a brother, John (Kay) Grooms of Sumpter, GA. They were preceded in death by a son, Dan Grooms; as well as Don’s brothers, Richard and Paul Grooms.

Don served his country in the United States Army during World War II as an assistant for the blinded soldiers. He worked as a mechanic at Freeman Spicers for 25 years followed by many years with Logan Industries before retiring in 1992. He was past president of the Legion of Mary and the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. Don was instrumental in starting the Food for Families Program at Little Flower Catholic Church, where he and Marianne were active members since 1969. He and his brother, Paul, volunteered for many years with Meals on Wheels. Don was also involved with prison ministry in Michigan City, IN.

Marianne was employed part-time for over 33 years in the office of the LaSalle Co. Mental Health Association of St. Joseph County, the St. Joseph Hospital Auxiliary and the Center for Hospice Care. Her grandchildren were special jewels in her life. 
Along with traveling, the Pottawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park was like a second home, where Don and Marianne enjoyed nature and board games with family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial for both Donald and Marianne will be celebrated at 11:00 am Friday, April 10, 2015 in St. Therese, Little Flower Catholic Church, 54191 N. Ironwood Road, South Bend, IN. Graveside services and burial will follow in Highland Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 - 7:00 pm Thursday, April 9, 2015 in the Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend as well as one hour prior to mass on Friday in church. A luncheon will be served in the church following graveside services.

Memorial contributions may be donated to the Little Flower Food Pantry; 54191 Ironwood Rd.
South Bend, IN 46635. Online condolences may be left for the Grooms family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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