Hilbert Francis Groseclose was born in Randles, Mo. on October 29, 1912, to Levi Otis Groseclose and Cora Mae Seabaugh Groseclose. He graduated from Delta High School in 1929. Mr. Groseclose married Alpha Margret Eaker of Lutesville, Mo. July 27, 1938. Alpha, his wife of forty-two years, preceded him in death as did their first son, Hilbert Francis Groseclose, Jr.
Mr. Groseclose worked on his family farm in Randles and later sold tractors for Fred Groves in Cape Girardeau. He sold rubber tires when they were first introduced in the area.
Mr. Groseclose graduated from the Bailey Diesel School of Diesel Engineering and later moved to Berkeley, California. During the war, Hilbert worked for Kaiser Shipyards and later owned a garage in Oakland. Hilbert and Alpha returned to St. Louis in 1946. He opened a garage in St. Louis, worked as a heavy equipment operator for Rallo Construction Co., and developed mobile home parks in St. Louis County. He was a 40 year member of Union Local #513 Hoisting Engineers.
Mr. Groseclose was a member of Lakeville Lodge #489 A.F. &A.M. at Bell City, Mo., and White Water Chapter Order of Eastern Star for 65 years, Scottish Rite at St. Louis for 57 years and was a member of Moolah Shrine temple at St. Louis for 33 years. He served as advisor to Berkeley De Molay #667 for many years.
Mr. Groseclose is survived by his sister, Imogene Groseclose Pfeister of Princeton, Ind.; and a brother, Otis Dean Groseclose of Las Vegas, Nev.; four children, two-son-in-laws and a daughter-in-law. His children are: Cheryl Younger and husband, Allan Harris of New York City; Pam Pruitt and husband, Bill Pruitt of Rochester, N.Y.; Richard Groseclose and wife, Debbie, of Lake St. Louis, Mo.; and Candace Groseclose of Janesville, Wisc. His beloved eight grandchildren includes Mercedes Younger, Cedar and Elliott Pruitt, Kenneth, Mindy, Pam, Richard and Ronald Groseclose. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition, Hilbert will be missed by his dear friend, Irene Kuehle.
Hilbert died at his home in Lake St. Louis on June 27, 1999 at 10:44 a.m. with his family at his side.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel with Masonic services at 7:00 p.m. The funeral will be Wednesday, June 30, 1999 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel with the Rev. Robert Mordt officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.
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