Thomas Francis Grooms

Thomas F. Grooms, 84, of Grand Island, Nebraska passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. He was a devoted husband, a proud father of three daughters, and a man whose life was defined by hard work, service, and genuine care for the people around him. A Memorial service will be at the First Presbyterian Church of Grand Island on August 25, 2026, at 11 am, with visitation starting an hour before at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Tehama Temple Transportation Fund or First Presbyterian Church of Grand Island.

Tom was born on June 19, 1942 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Emma Lee and Max Grooms. He grew up in St. Joseph, Missouri and graduated from Central High School. He went on to attend University of Missouri at Columbia and was a loyal Tigers fan. He thoroughly enjoyed the rivalry between the Tigers and the Cornhuskers.

He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Carol Crouch, on June 29, 1963. They lived in St. Joseph until moving to Grand Island, Nebraska in 1973. He was a farmer at heart, a hunter by passion, and a small business owner who took great pride in providing for his family and serving his community. Tom was the co-owner of House of Lights and Kitchen Gallery in Grand Island.

He believed in working hard, showing up, and helping whenever he could. Giving back was an important part of his life. Through his involvement in many local organizations, he volunteered his time and energy to support his community and the people in it. Some of his involvement included: Director and member of Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce, President’s Club, Big Brother of the Year in 1985 for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Central Nebraska Homebuilders Association, Board of Director of the Grand Island Rotary Club, Grand Island Regional Planning Commission, Central Nebraska Goodwill Industries, President of the Central Nebraska Shrine Club, Tehama Temple, a sixty year member of the Charity Zeredatha, and Valley of Hastings Orient of Nebraska. He never needed recognition for what he did. Tom simply believed that if something needed to be done, you did your part.

Perhaps one of the things people will remember most about him was his daily drive around town. In his retirement, Tom liked to see what was going on, check in on people, and make sure everything—and everyone—was okay. He was genuinely interested in people. Give him one conversation, and somehow he would know your life story. Tom remembered the details, asked about your family, and always seemed to know what was happening in your world. He had a way of making people feel seen and remembered. Tom’s presence was familiar and comforting, and his absence will be deeply felt throughout his community.

Above all, Tom was a husband and father. His greatest pride was his family, and his daughters will forever carry the lessons he taught them through the way he lived: work hard, take care of your people, and stay connected to your community. Tom leaves behind his beloved wife, Carol Crouch Grooms of Grand Island; three daughters, Schelly Young, Cindy Hermann(Ray), Ashley Lammers(Brian); seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; sister Ellen Grant, sisters in law Brooke Grooms and Nora Powell, and brother in law Fred Crouch(Maureen) and many nieces and nephews and other family members, friends, neighbors, and community members who were fortunate enough to know him.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Emma Lee and Max Grooms, mother and father in law Catherine and Arthur Crouch, brother Max Lee Grooms, nephew Max Lee Grooms Jr., and brother in law Jim Powell.

Tom leaves behind more than memories. He leaves behind a community that is better because he was part of it, a family shaped by his love, and countless people who will smile when they see his familiar truck—or think about the man who always seemed to know what was going on around town.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever a part of the lives of those who knew and loved him.