Leonard Edward Groves

Leonard Edward Groves, 54, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, passed away unexpectedly on October 8, 2018.Leonard was born December 21, 1963 in Spearman, Texas to Clarence and Julia Groves. His mother was Native American and he was a proud member of the Sac and Fox Nation. As a child, he moved to Oklahoma, where he remained for the rest of his life. He was a graduate of Choctaw High School, class of 1982. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army; serving in Babenhausen, West Germany and later in Fort Sill, Oklahoma and was discharged in 1986. He was an avid sports fan; whose favorite sports team became Arsenal Football Club in the Premier Soccer League and was also a die-hard Oklahoma State Cowboys fan. As a child, he participated in organized sports including football and baseball and loved both as an adult.Leonard was most proud of what he called, “his blue-collar work ethic” and his knack for hands-on work. He always felt the responsibility to put in an honest day’s work.He is remembered by his friends and family for his sense of humor and his patriotism. He loved America and was proud of his time served. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.He was the proud father of Lance and Laura Groves and grandfather to James. He is survived by Melody, mother of Lance, Laura and step son Dustin; his brother Holland (Sharon) Groves of Cambridge, Minnesota and his sister Marlene (Dewey) Gilder of Choctaw, Oklahoma; his nieces and nephews Jen, Kyle, Duke, Brett and Keanu. He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence, Julia and Leeta and his nephew Dylan.Tribal rites will be 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 12 at the Community Center in Stroud. Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 13 at the Sac & Fox Cemetery in Stroud.