Oliver Groppe

Oliver Groppe, 86, passed away Sunday February 23, 2020 at the Atrium of Bellmead. Funeral services will be 10 am Friday February 28th, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 Robinson Dr., Waco, with Tom Warnock officiating. A private family burial will follow. The family will receive visitors from 5-7 pm Thursday February 27th at the funeral home.
Oliver William Groppe was born January 2, 1934 In Bynum, Texas to August Jr. and Louise Groppe, the youngest of four siblings. The family later moved to West, Texas where Oliver attended school, graduating in 1952. He married Shirley Ann Hallmark on August 12, 1961. After marrying, they moved to Robinson and became members of St. John United Church of Christ, where they attended church for over 50 years, rarely missing a Sunday Service.
Oliver assisted with working the family farm as a young man, while also starting a career at General Tire and Rubber Co, where he worked for 29 years. In 1989, he started work at Robinson ISD, where he worked in the maintenance department for 18 years. His wife Ann also worked at the school in the admin office for 20 years before they both retired in 2007 to enjoy time with their family.
Oliver was a member of the Robinson Volunteer Fire Department for 38 years, and was the Fire Marshal and Assistant Fire Chief for several of those years. He was always eager to go and help anytime the call came in. Lots of good memories were based on the friends he made and folks he helped out in those years.
Oliver’s greatest sources of pride were his children, grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren. He and Ann rarely missed a function or the opportunity to coach a team. Oliver also enjoyed yard work and patronizing his favorite restaurants in the Waco area.
Oliver was preceded in death by his wife Ann, and his parents.
He is survived by his two sons, Gerald Groppe and wife Rene of Robinson, and Greg Groppe and wife Vicki of Eddy; 3 grandsons, Jared and wife Francesca, Todd and Wesley; and 2 great-grandchildren, Rylee and Sladen. He is also survived by his two brothers, Herbert Groppe and Ernest Groppe; sister, Rosie Mae Groppe and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the fantastic staff and extended family at the Atrium in Bellmead for 2 ½ years of love and care, as well as Providence Hospice for making his last days comfortable.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to a charity of your choosing in his name.