Estle was born in Van Zandt County, TX on October 16, 1925, to father Jerome Willie Groom and mother Lou Vena Groom. One of five sons and two daughters, Estle began helping on his family’s cotton farm starting at an early age. His work ethic and desire to take care of his family led to him enlisting in the Coast Guard at age 17 where he served from 1942 -1946.
After serving in WWII, Estle returned to Mabank where his love for the community began early. He opened his first business, a laundromat and service station, where he worked with his father. During this time, Estle met his bride, Annie Lou Raymond from Prairieville, TX. They married in 1950 and had three sons, Leon, Terry and Roger. Estle and his family spent time living in Dallas, TX where he and his brothers owned and operated businesses in the Pleasant Grove Community. Estle and Annie’s love for Mabank brought them back and in 1972, Estle started Groom & Sons’ Hardware and built Groom Plaza. Due to Annie’s declining health with rheumatoid arthritis Estle needed to spend more time caring for her as he did for 35 years. Clifton and Ira Groom purchased the hardware store from Estle and operated it until 1984. In 1984 Estle and his three sons purchased the hardware store back and together they built Groom & Sons’ into what it is today. He loved the hardware store and spent many hours talking with employees and customers. Estle was a quiet leader and became one of the community fathers for which he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Mabank Cedar Creek Chamber of Commerce for his many accomplishments. On his 80th birthday the City of Mabank declared October 16th as Estle Groom Day to honor his great legacy and contribution to the City of Mabank.
Estle was preceded in death by his wife Annie Lou Raymond; oldest son Leon Groom; second wife Dorothy Groom; parents Jerome Willie Groom and Lou Vena Groom; his brothers Clifton Groom, Dewey Groom, Durwood Groom, J.W. Groom and sisters Gladys McGuire and Virginia Wright.
He is survived by his children Terry Groom and wife Tracey, Roger Groom and wife Laura and daughter-in-law Jan Groom; grandchildren Wendy Wilbanks and husband William, Zac Groom and wife Charity, Amy Brackenridge and husband Jeremy, Chad Groom, Danny Groom and Peyton Groom; and great-grandchildren Steeli Wilbanks, Emory Groom, Ryan Groom, Asher Brackenridge, Bryer Brackenridge, Carson Groom, Caleb Groom, Linley Groom and Hogan Groom. Estle also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.
Due to COVID-19, Estle will be lying in state at Eubank Cedar Creek Funeral Home on 601 S. Third St. Mabank TX, 75147, Wednesday October 21, 2020 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Thursday October 22, 2020 from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. A drive-by visitation will be held at Elm Grove Cemetery, Co Rd 2708 Mabank, TX 75147, on Friday October 23, 2020 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm prior to the service. The service will be held at 2:00 pm in the pavilion at Elm Grove Cemetery in Mabank, TX. All are invited but seating will be limited to allow for adequate distance between chairs for those unable to stand.
In lieu of flowers, people wishing to honor Estle’s lifelong commitment to family and community can make donations to the The Arthritis Foundation, The American Diabetes Association, The American Heart Association or The Alzheimer’s Association.
