Richard B. Groves

Richard B. Groves, 95, of Branson passed away March 3, 2026. He was born Feb. 9, 1931 in St. Louis, to Oma (Mansfield) Davis, and Thomas Boyd Davis.

He was a graduate of Willard High School class of 1949. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, Aug. 7, 1950 during the Korean War. Following basic training, he was shipped to Japan and on to Korea. He was actively involved in the removal of American Forces in Hung-Nam, North Korea. After three years aboard ship, he was honorably discharged with a rank of 3rd Class Gunner’s Mate.

On March 4, 1955 he married Doris Ann Hicks, who precedes him in death. Following their marriage, he continued his education at SMS, then transferred to the Missouri School of Mines, where he graduated with a degree in civil engineering.

Upon graduation, he accepted a position with the US Army Corps of Engineers. His first project was a shift supervisor during the construction of Greer’s Ferry Dam in Arkansas. Following the completion of the dam, he was a shift supervisor during the construction of the Beaver Dam in Arkansas. He was then transferred to Morrilton, Ark. where he served as Project Engineer on Lock And Dam 9 on the Arkansas River. In 1968, he was selected as the Resident Engineer of both Table Rock and Beaver projects on the White River, where he worked until his retirement in 1999. During his tenure as Resident Engineer, he formed Missouri Beautification Association, which developed an Adopt-A-Shoreline program and was instrumental in partnering with MoDOT, to begin an Adopt-A-Highway program in the state of Missouri.

He and Doris enjoyed many vacations, some of the most memorable being Alaska, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

He was a devoted husband, loving father and caring grandfather. He is survived by his sons, Richard B. Groves II (Barbara), of Nixa, and Kirk Groves (Becky) of Branson; one daughter, Jana Lindner (Mark) of Reeds Spring, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Also surviving is his brother, John K. Groves (Silvia) of Dixon, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding him in death were his mother, father and stepfather, Ollie Groves, as well as his brothers Charles Groves and William David Groves.

Services were at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at Greenlawn Funeral Home in Branson with interment at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield.

Memorial donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans.