Milo Albert “Al” Groce Jr.

Milo Albert “Al” Groce Jr., 85, of Dupo, died June 14, 2016, at Columbia Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

He was born Oct. 12, 1930, in East St. Louis, son of the late Milo Albert and Zetta “Marie”, Groce, Sr. (nee Groves).

Al played minor league baseball for the New York Giants in 1948 and 1949. He worked for Standard Oil as an oil distributor, then for Dow Chemical and later retired from Share Chemical Corporation.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Dupo.

He shared his love and talents for baseball with his children and grandchildren. He was an exceptional cook and enjoyed cooking for his family and friends. He loved music and enjoyed singing to his children and grandchildren, as well as sharing his outstanding sense of humor.

Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Della “Imogene” Groce (nee Marlen); two children, Gregg Marlen (Cynthia) Groce of Columbia, and Michele Tyann (James) Marsh of Scottsdale, Ariz.; a brother, Gary Fulton (Jean) Groce of Warsaw, Mo.; seven grandchildren, Tyler J. (Lindsi) Marsh, Alexander M. Groce, Tabitha T. Marsh, Trevor A. Groce, Trent C. Marsh, Ethan C. Groce, and Dylan N. C. Groce; and a great-grandson, Grayson J. Marsh. He was also a dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Patsy Irene Grant.

A memorial service will be July 1, at 3 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Dupo, Pastor Roger Reid officiating.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will commence after the memorial service.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Dupo, or Alzheimer’s Association.