Jerry Robert Groom

Jerry Robert Groom, 59, Harrisonville, passed away at KU Medical Center on Friday, Oct. 22, 2010. Jerry was born Dec. 10, 1950, in Smithville. He spent his early childhood in the Gower and Stewartsville area and later in Independence. His parents were Floyd Edard (“Ted”) Groom and Margaret Mildred Donelson Groom. Jerry was the 13th child of 16 children.

He married his wife of 25 years, Linda Davis Eason Groom on Sept. 12, 1985, at his mother’s home in Independence. Jerry had three stepchildren - Lenton E. Eason IV (“Bud”) - Harrisonville, Richard M. Eason - El Dorado Springs, and Joan M., and husband, Buril W. Hardin - El Dorado Springs.

Jerry graduated from Truman High School in Independence and immediately went into the military service. He was a Navy veteran and served in the Vietnam War. Jerry was employed by the Federal Aviation Administration for over 30 years. He was a member of VFW Post 4409 of Harrisonville.

Jerry enjoyed his animals, fishing, working in his vegetable and flower gardens and was especially proud of his rose garden. He was looking forward to retirement and moving to the farm in the El Dorado Springs area.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Harrison and Floyd, three brothers-in-law - Bill O’Connor, Charles Hartman and James (“Wimpy)” Hollar.

He is survived by his wife Linda, stepchildren - Bud, Richard, Joan, and husband, Buril; grandchildren - Ashley, Buddy, Cody, Cassie, Cherise, Talon and Larissa; great-grandchild, Landon; sisters, Lucille O’Connor, Helen Hartman, Dixie Hollar, Barbara Prosser, and husband, Bob, Bonnie Shaw, and husband, Jerry, Carol Johnson, and husband, Bill, Joan Herring, and husband, Carrol, Sherry Barron, and husband, Harold, Janie Veach, and husband, Randy, Joyce Clay, and husband, Mike, and Kathy Cockrum, and husband, Troy; brothers, Jim, and wife Norma, and George, and wife, Becky; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Services were held at 1:30 p.m. at the Church of Christ on Wednesday, Oct. 27, with David Studer officiating. Interment followed in the Clintonville Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were - Bud Eason, Richard Eason, Talon Hardin, Jim Groom, Harold Barron and Mike Clay. Honorary Pallbearers were - Buril Hardin, Landon Hardin, George Groom and Norm Donelson.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Harrisonville VFW Post 4409; the American Heart Association; the American Cancer Society; or Fair Haven Children’s Home and sent to the Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.