Visitation with military honors for Parker Groves will be held from 1 to 3 pm Sunday, January 12, 2025 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Private burial will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery, Lawrence.
Parker Ross Groves was born in Wichita, Kansas on May 8, 1951. He graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1969. Kathy Jansen, daughter of Myrt and Henry Jansen, was married to Parker in Kansas City, KS on June 21, 1975. Parker worked as a Public Service Officer in Riverside, Missouri, until he was invited by his father, Carol Groves, to join a new business which Carol created, Laser Graphics, in Lawrence Kansas. The business utilized the new technology of laser scanning in the printing industry.
Parker later worked as a Purchasing Agent at Forbes Field in Topeka, Kansas. This led him to an opportunity to fulfil his lifelong dream of flying in the military as a Boom Operator in the Air National Guard. When Operation Desert Storm was implemented, Parker was called to serve in Saudi Arabia to refuel in air many types of combat aircraft.
In retirement, Parker enjoyed many hobbies, including sailing, ham radio, HO gauge model trains, 3D printers, and train travel. At the time of his death, Parker was restoring a vintage 1979 Triumph Spitfire.
The family suggest donations to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 171335, Kansas City, Kansas 66117.
I always liked Parker and enjoyed serving with him. My sincere condolences to his family Due to the late notice, the service was over by the time I learned of it or I would have been there.
Parker was my boomer for Desert Storm. One of the best I’ve flown with. He was always calm, dependable and a wonderful person. May God comfort his family and bring them peace.