George K. Groot

With World War II progressing in intensity a young Army Air Corps cadet from Oak Park, Illinois met a young girl from Helper, Utah on the western deserts of the United States while learning the art of air warfare. George Kepner Groot, Sr. met Josephine Principato (“Jo”) and those lives merged to create a family.

George Groot died in Tallahassee on September 25 after a long illness. He joined Jo, who passed several years ago, in eternity and a much better place.

From his training in Utah, Groot served in the Eastern Theater in World War II and flew innumerable combat missions as the war moved to the Japanese homeland. He was an original member of the Strategic Air Command. After surviving the War and several crash landings (which he consistently pointed out many of his buddies did not), he served in Korea during the Korean Conflict again flying many dangerous combat missions. He served with high honor and distinction and was awarded an array of military honors and awards throughout his career as a warrior. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force in 1965 and moved his family to Tallahassee to finish his collegiate education at Florida State University where his son, Jim, served as student body president. Upon attaining his degree in education, LTC Groot embarked upon a second career as a high school teacher and taught at Godby High School in Tallahassee for almost 30 years. He was noted for his breathtaking knowledge of history and his never-ending support of Godby High School sports, activities and programs. He and Jo then retired and made Tallahassee their permanent home.

LTC Groot is survived by his three sons, Jim, a Tallahassee retiree; Lonnie, an attorney in Lake Mary, Florida; and George, who works for Capelouto Termite and Pest Control in Tallahassee. LTC Groot was particularly proud of his grandchildren and daughters in law. Jim’s child, Jason Groot, is a student in China. Lonnie’s children are active as follows: Mary Groot is a school teacher in Jesup, Georgia; Lauren Fantle is a former school teacher in Tallahassee who works with her husband who is the owner of Tallahassee Tae Kwon Do; Jeni Groot-Begnaud recently moved from the U.S. Air Force to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia as an instructor; Juli Groot is an attorney in Jacksonville; Rebecca Groot is a school teacher in Oviedo, Florida; Kati Groot is a legal assistant; and Beth Groot is a legal assistant. George’s child is a student at Lincoln High School in Tallahassee. LTC Groot’s daughters in law are Jim’s wife Robin, retired in Tallahassee; Lonnie’s wife, Gloria, principal of a DeLand charter elementary school; and George’s wife, Colleen, a Tallahassee artist. LTC Groot is also survived by four great-grandsons: Jared, Landon, Colton and Gabe.

A private family service is being held with full military honors. Donations may be made to Big Bend Hospice in honor of the deceased in lieu of flowers or condolences.

Arrangements were handled by Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home 700 Timberlane Road (850)893-4177.