Gary D. Groesbeck

Gary D. Groesbeck, Sr. age 68, of Springfield, passed away Saturday, September 9, 2017. He was born September 8, 1949 in Springfield to Almond and Alta (Bunch) Groesbeck. After graduating from Central High School in Springfield he joined the U. S. Army and served in Vietnam. He was in the Infantry and had the duty of a "Tunnel Rat" because he was able to fit in the tunnels to find the enemy bunkers. His family stated he was "the first one in". He was also an Army car pool mechanic. After serving in the Army, Gary worked for a private school bus company in Washington as a driver and mechanic. He later moved to Springfield and worked for Springfield Public Schools continuing in the same career path. He was an avid Fisherman and outdoorsman. He was also very meticulous with his yard work, planting flower gardens and doing beatification projects around the house. He was a huge motorcycle enthusiast! He was patient enough to sit and meticulously do model planes from start to finish. Gary is survived by two sons Gary Groesbeck, Jr. of Chesapeake, VA, and Christopher Fowler, his wife Annie of Addison, MI; daughters Tamara Groesbeck of Fayette, OH, and Crystal Kloberdanz of Federal Way, Washington; a sister Alice Bell, her husband Freddie of Republic; many nieces, nephews and great nieces, nephews and many friends. Gary is preceded in death by his parents; a brother Jimmy Groesbeck; and a sister Georgetta Merideth. A memorial service will be held at 6:00 PM Thursday, September 14, 2017 in Adams Funeral Home, Nixa. Inurnment will be at 1:00 PM Friday, September 15, 2017 at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, with full military honors. Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.