Herbert Wesley Grounds Jr.

Herb Grounds was many things to many people - a decorated Air Force Colonel, a Vietnam veteran, a devoted husband for over fifty years, a father who never let his kids leave without telling them how proud he was, a grandfather who turned his home into a place called "Camp Grounds," and a community servant who genuinely loved serving with his fellow Rotarians. But if you knew at all, you knew this first: Herb met every person with curiosity and joy. He carried a boyish enthusiasm, and a rare gift for making others feel seen, valued, and important. Herb passed away peacefully February 19th, surrounded by his family.

Herb was born in Pittsburgh, then moved to Toledo where he grew up playing football, boxing at Boy Scout camp, and getting into the kind of mischief that made his mother cry at PTA meetings. He graduated from DeVibiss High School in 1959, where his football team won the state championship his junior year, and went on North Texas State University to study psychology and business, joining Theta Chi fraternity and playing football there as well.

In 1963, Herb joined the United States Air Force as an officer and was deployed to Vietnam in 1964, where he served his county with courage and distinction. His military service spanned over twenty-five years, during which he earned the Bronze Star Medal, four Meritorious Service Medals, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal, among other honors. He served at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio as part of the Inspector General team, and at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, where he rose to the rank of full Colonel and served as a base commander. His exposure to Agent Orange during Vietnam would challenge his health in later years, which he bore with quiet strength and dignity.

It was in a master's class, fifty-one years ago, that Herb met Jenny Oppert - and his life changed forever. They were married in 1975, and from that day forward, they were inseparable. At the officers' club, whenever Herb and Jenny walked in, the band would stop whatever song they were playing and start up Neil Diamond's "Song Sung Blue." That was the kind of couple they were. Their love story spanned five decades, countless military assignments, and one small cul-de-sac in Auburn, California that became the center of their world.

After retiring from the Air Force in 1988, Herb served in the private sector before fully retiring and returning to Auburn - the place he and Jenny loved most on the earth.

And it was in Auburn where Herb truly came alive as citizen. He joined the Rotary Club and stayed for seventeen years, earning both the Rotarian of the Year and the prestigious Paul Harris Award. He loved laughing with his gold buddies, serving beer at the annual Rotary barbecue, serving on the board of the Spiritual Community Center of Rockland at the invitation of Minister Elaine and Linda Nash, supporting homeless causes, and Meals on Wheels. He was named one Auburn's twenty outstanding citizen's, with his portrait in the paper and a painting in his honor. Auburn was not just where Herb lived. It was where he belonged - and the town was better for it.

Herb loved his hot rods, playing handball, jogging, country music, and long walks with Jenny.

He was preceded in death his beloved younger brother, George Grounds, who passed away only two months ago. He is survived by his adoring wife, Jenny Grounds, his daughter Julie Grounds (Kris), his son David Grounds (Fernanda); his grandchildren, Wesley, Dylan, Adam (Sophia), Nick (Julia), Alexandra (Vincent), and great granddaughter Emilie (born a month before his passing); his nieces, Ginny and Dee Grounds (Bill, Madeline, Jacob) and more friends than most people collect in three lifetimes.

To the people of Auburn: Herb and Jenny considered you family. The friendships built on their little cul-de-sac, at the Rotary, and across the tables and barstools of this town meant everything to them. You gave them a home, and they gave you their hearts.

Herb Grounds was a soldier, a leader, a community servant, a Rotarian, a man of faith, a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and to everyone who knew him - he was The Love in the Room. He shall continue to "live on" in the family and friends that loved him so much.

Services will be held at Chapel of the Hills, Monday March 16th at 12:00.

A Celebration of Life Wake will follow at 2:30pm at Moonraker Brewing Co: 12970 Earhart Ave #100, Auburn.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Rotary Club of Auburn, an organization he valued deeply.