CECIL FRANKLIN GROVE

Cecil Franklin Grove, 97, was born November 22, 1918 in Jetmore, Kansas to Franklin and Inez (Dansel) Grove fourth of 10 children. As a child the family moved to Waverly, MO where Cecil lived until going into the Army in 1940.  He was assigned to the Army Air Corp and served in the European Wing of the Air Transport Command.  As an Aerial Engineer he flew several "Top Secret" missions from London to Sweden.   Cecil was an auto mechanic owning an auto garage with brothers in Waverly and employed with Swafford's Dealership in Richmond, with Branniff Airline for many years and Kansas City MCI Airport.  He also worked at Lake City Plant here he met his wife Eva Pulley Proffitt.  They were married in 1955 and lived in Richmond, Liberty and Gladstone in Kansas City, MO.  They had a son, Paul who preceded him in death.  They were members of St. Gabriel's Catholic Church, Kansas City, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, five brothers, two sisters, three sons and two grandsons. He is survived by two sisters Mary Drunert of Waverly, MO and Shirley Barr of Little Rock, AR; three grandchildren Lynn Grossenbacher, Killeen, TX; Christopher Proffitt of Liberty, MO; and Melanie Ahlers of Copperas Cove, TX;  11 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and  family members.

Cecil loved life, flying, storytelling especially his World War ll experiences.  He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed pranking everyone.

In lieu of flowers contribution can be made to the Crossroad Hospice, 9237 Ward Parkway, STE 300, Kansas City, Mo 64114 or to the charity of your choice.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 23, 2016 at Thurman Funeral Home, Richmond.  Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday prior to services.  Interment will be in Richmond Memory Gardens, with Military Honors provided by the Ray County Veterans.  On line condolences may be left to the family at www.thurmanfuneralhome.com