Robert D. Groves

Robert D. Groves, 75, of Topeka passed away on February 1, 2022. He was born November 5, 1946 in Topeka the son of Arthur and Gracie Louber Groves. Robert had seven siblings. Robert grew up in Topeka and attended Highland Park High School. He was on the gymnastics team at Highland Park. After high school he was drafted into the army. He served his country and did a hitch in Vietnam before his discharge from the service. After returning home he went to work for Ohse Meat Products, later Farmland Foods. He worked there from 1971 until 2002. Robert then attended Ft. Scott Community College. He returned to Topeka and went to work as a bus driver/custodian for the Shawnee Heights School District and later Topeka Public Schools. He was still working at Landon Middle School at the time he became ill. Robert loved sports. He was an assistant coach on Kelly’s fast pitch softball team at the lake, loved to watch the college softball world series, football, baseball and NASCAR. Survivors include his children, Kelly Alexander and husband Shawn of Topeka, Robert K. Groves of Topeka, Caroline Ortiz of Topeka; sister, Judy Cochran of Topeka; grandchildren, Dustin, Garrett, Danielle, Michael, Payton, Bodie, Tatum and Jordan; several great grandchildren also survive. He was preceded in death by his step-son, Terry Ledbetter and six brothers and sisters, Arthur Jr., June Staggs, Dolores Werner, Donald, Kenneth and Leroy. Also preceded in death are his parents, Arthur Sr. and Gracie Louber Groves. Cremation is planned. Davidson Funeral Home is assisting the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka Rescue Mission or to the Topeka Shawnee County Helping Hands Humane Society.