Michael Wayne Groves

Michael W. Groves, of Fenton, Missouri, was born on June 6, 1948, at Bonne Terre, Missouri. He passed away on December 24, 2023, at St. Louis, Missouri. Mike's father, Martin Luther Groves and his mother, Doris Juanita Wamble preceded Mike in death.

Mike is survived by his wife of 54 years, Cathra (Cathy) Short, his daughter Valkyrie (Val), son-in-law Tom, and two grandchildren, Ava and Stella. He is also survived by two brothers, Randy Hughes (spouse Melinda) and Bruce Groves (spouse Linda), two sisters, Kim Bess and Michele Halbrook (spouse Willard), as well as his many nieces, nephews and friends.

Mike served one tour in Vietnam, from March 1968 to March 1969. For his service he was awarded the following medals: Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct, Vietnam Service, and Vietnam Gallantry Cross. After service, Mike went to work at Southwestern Bell. He was able to retire at 50 with 31 years of service with Southwestern Bell and AT&T.

Mike remained a passionate advocate of our country's Service members and Veterans. He especially enjoyed his Veteran reunions and visits with the troops at Ft. Drum (NY) and Ft. Hood (TX). Mike was proud of a 2002 22nd Regiment Society Reunion in St. Louis, that he and Cathy coordinated and hosted for over 300 Veterans and their families. Mike was a lifetime member of VFW, Military Order of the Purple Heart, 25th Infantry Division Association and NRA. He was past President of the Vietnam Triple Deuce—an association of the 2nd Battalion (Mechanized) 22nd Infantry Regiment who served in Vietnam. The Secretary of the Army awarded him Distinguished Member of the 22nd Infantry Regiment for his advocacy and work supporting active-duty members.  From the Triple Deuce, he was awarded the honorary Order of the Red Ant.

Mike's love of travel had him taking his Honda Goldwing motorcycle in 2002 all the way to Anchorage, Alaska and back home again in only a month. Mike also enjoyed traveling with his wife Cathy. They could frequently be found traveling the country visiting historical sites or in pursuit of Mike's love of genealogy research. In addition to travel, Mike loved to fish. His favorite fishing vacations were to the Canadian wilderness to fish for Northern Pike, Walleye and Brook Trout. His second favorite vacation was his trip to Venezuela to fish for Peacock Bass.

Mike will be remembered in the community for his volunteer work as Past President of the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association (CPAAA) for St. Louis County. Family and friends will miss his BBQ pork steaks, quick wit, and hearing him whistling happy songs. Mike had a 6-month illness, but through it all he retained his sense of humor, charm, and kept everyone's spirits high with his smile and a chocolate kiss.

The family wishes, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity in Mike's name. Mike's service will be held privately. Interment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

Deeds Not Words.

Arrangements were with the Horton-Wampler Funeral Home, Park Hills, Mo