Herman Groce

Herman Groce, 92, of New Castle passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2017 following a brief illness. He was born January 8, 1925 in Jamestown, KY to the late Willie R. and Bernice (Workman) Groce.

Herman serviced in the U.S. Army, a dedicated and selfless patriot, he entered into uniformed service in the United States Army, 29th Division, 115th Regiment as a Rifleman on June 21, 1943. During this time, Sergeant Groce distinguished himself with distinction as a Combat Infantryman and Rifle Marksman during the Normandy, Rhineland, and central Europe Campaigns of World War II. Sergeant Groce in his two years of overseas combat service, in support of U.S. and Coalition objectives earned the European/African/Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars and a Bronze Arrowhead, the Good Conduct Medal, the Distinguished Unit Award, the World War II Victory Medal, and a Purple Heart Medal for injuries sustained during combat operations on July 18, 1944 at Saint Lo, France. Sergeant Groce was honorably discharged January 21, 1946.

Herman lived in New Castle for most of his life. He worked for Chrysler Corporation, Groce’s Grocery Store from 1954-1964, and was self-employed as a carpenter until he retired in 1987. Herman was an avid card player with family; he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and working puzzles.

He is survived by his son, Ronald (Margene) Groce of New Castle; daughters, Phyllis (James) Koger of Muncie; Wanda (Larry) Williams of Avon; Patricia Groce (Chuck Minear) of High Point, NC; grandchildren, Jessie Mahmoudi, David Fitzpatrick, Jason Groce, Amber Chambers, Anessa Meadows, Zack Medford, James Wesley Koger, Julie Williams, Angel Goodpaster, and Andrew Groce; fifteen great-grandchildren, and one great great-grandchild; brothers, Kenneth Groce, James Brown, Phillip Groce, Jackie Groce; sisters, Geneva Lowe, Imogene Brown Wooten, Linda McDaniels, Louise Glover, Karen Brann, and Sharon McFarland; daughter-in-law, Faith Groce; several brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucy (Purvis) Groce; son, Herman Groce Jr.; brothers, Clifton Groce, Elwood Groce, Alva Groce, Bill Groce; sisters, Nellie Hammond, Dollie Jeanette Dishman, Leona Mae Groce; Grandson, Daniel Groce, and great-grandson, Trace Chambers.

Service will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 27, 2017 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Burial will follow at South Mound Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, March 26th at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be sent to Stonebrooke Augusta Cottage, Memory Care Unit Activity Fund, 990 N. 16th St., New Castle, IN 47362. You may express condolences or share a memory of Herman at www.hinsey-brown.com .