John Bennett Groves Jr.

John Bennett (Ben) Groves Jr. entered his eternal rest on June 4, 2026. He was born on January 7, 1947, in Cairo, Illinois to parents Latha and John Groves Sr.

Ben lived with his parents, brother Paul Wayne and sister Linda on a 600-acre farm in Southeast Missouri. He grew up around corn, wheat, soybeans, cows, hogs, chickens, and tractors. Everyone expected Ben to be a farmer, but he had other ideas. He was the first member of his family to go to college where he majored in Agriculture and minored in Business. He met his future wife, Carol, at college and they were married in 1968 and were married for 57 years.

Ben joined the Army after college and served at several locations in the states and then was sent to Korea where he was stationed at a supply depot in Seoul. Carol joined him in Korea, and they had many interesting cultural experiences. This was during the Vietnam era, so Ben was blessed not to have to go to Vietnam. He returned to the states and was stationed at Fort Hood in Texas where his son was born.

After the Army he worked for Prudential Insurance Co., Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co, Western Auto, Wal-Mart, and in San Antonio went to work for SOS Liquid Waste where he stayed until retiring in 2017. Ben enjoyed retirement to the fullest mainly playing golf with the men’s Alibi group and other golfing buddies.

Ben and Carol had two children, Eric and Jennifer. Four granddaughters were added to the family. Ben loved his granddaughters dearly. He would take them fishing or sit and read with them on his lap. He enjoyed Jordan’s plays in which she acted, McKayla’s volleyball tournaments (even in Detroit), Kate’s crazy birthday swim parties with screaming kids, and when Ally played golf with him.

Ben loved to tell long story jokes but would crack himself up before he could get to the punchline.

Over the years he and Carol traveled all over the country and took two cruises plus two trips to England when his son and family lived there for 3 years.

Ben was a faithful member of Cross Roads Church in Windcrest for 30 years serving as an elder. He delivered Meals on Wheels and worked at Agape Ministries bagging groceries in the pantry for needy people. He hung a single neighbor’s curtains for her and planted a plant for one of his Meals on Wheels customers.

Ben leaves behind many friends near and far.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, John Bennett Groves Sr. and Latha Janetta Fugate Groves, his brother Paul Wayne Groves, and sister Linda Jean Shine. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol A. Groves; daughter, Jennifer Battey and husband John; son John Eric Groves and wife Diane, and granddaughters, Katherine Groves, Allison Groves, McKayla Battey, and Jordan Battey.

Memorial ServiceJuly 11, 20262 PMCross Roads Church8102 Midcrown DrWindcrest, TX 78239In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cross Roads Church or Agape Ministries, P.O. Box 18042 San Antonio, TX 78218.