Leonard George Groppell

Leonard Groppell, 89, of Temple passed peacefully away on Tuesday, April 27th, 2010. Leonard was born on June 4, 1920 in Buckholts to Richard & Hattie Groppell. He graduated from Cameron High School in 1938. He moved to California where he served two years in the US Navy. He married Mary Alice Kohake and raised three daughters. He worked for North American Rockwell on the Saturn, Apollo and Space Shuttle projects. He returned to Temple in the mid 1980's to care for his ailing mother. It was here that he met and married Thelma Bartosh. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Louis and Vernon Groppell. He is survived by his devoted wife of 20 years, Thelma Groppell; his sister, Lucille Cagle of Waco; his three daughters: Elaine Kruse, Carol Groppell, Alice Barnett - and their families. The family is extremely grateful to the staff of the Weston Inn, Lighthouse Hospice and Dr. Angie Hochhalter for their compassion and loving care. A celebration of Leonard's life will take place at 1:00 pm on Sunday, May 30th, 2010 with reception and fellowship, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 pm, both at the First Lutheran Church, 1515 W. Adams at 31st Street, Temple, Texas 76504. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Lutheran Church, Temple, Texas.