Alonzo Grooms

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Alonzo Grooms, 86, of Chaffee passed away Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014, at Chaffee Nursing Center.

He was born April 15, 1927, in Perry County, Tenn., to Fred and Eva Christine Tate Grooms. He married Helen Pratt on Oct. 12, 1946. She preceded him in death Oct. 1, 2001.

Alonzo served in the United States Navy.

He was a production worker at Florsheim Shoe Co. in Chaffee, and later retired as a janitor from St. Ambrose Catholic Church and School. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 389 and Chaffee Volunteer Fire Department 25 years. He was an avid bingo player more than 30 years, and volunteered wherever he was needed at American Legion bingo. He loved to garden.

Survivors include a son, Jerry (Ida) Grooms of Advance, Mo.; a sister, Eva (Hank) Golightly of Chaffee; four grandchildren, Sandra Patterson, Nicole Rehak, Scott Hill and Roxane Grooms; and a stepgranddaughter, Deana Lee.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Gayle Grooms.

Friends may call after 5 p.m. today at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the chapel, with the Rev. Gwenell Streeter officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hills Memorial Gardens near Morley, Mo., with full military honors presented by the Missouri Honor Guard.

Online condolences may be made at amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.