Richard Junior Groleau, 91, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, passed away at home in Sallisaw, Oklahoma on May 10, 2021. Richard was born on January 25, 1930 in Escanaba, Michigan to Clara Emma (Longhurst) Groleau and Publius (Peter) Charles Groleau. He was married to Rosa Lee Mae (Waack) Groleau on August 28, 1952 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The two met at Central Bible Institute (CBI) in Springfield, Missouri. Mr. Groleau was a teacher, having taught in Tulsa, California, Oregon, and China. He became a rancher in 1975 when he and Rosa Lee moved to Sequoyah County, Oklahoma. He was also a carpenter and participated in mission projects in Mexico and Honduras. Prior to CBI, he was in the U.S. Navy, serving 1947-1950 in Guam, the USS Toledo (CA-133), and the USS Randall (APA-224). |
Survivors are:
- his wife, Rosa Lee of the home;
- three daughters, Yvonne Tillapaugh of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, Rebecca Cole & Rondell of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, and Joy Hagerty & Ken of Springdale, Arkansas;
- three sons: Wesley Groleau & Michelle of Springfield, Oregon, John Groleau of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Pete & Susan Groleau of Sullivan, Missouri;
- grandchildren: Christopher Groleau, Michael Groleau, Cherie Hott, Rebecca Rasmussen, Ricky Tillapaugh, Neil Tillapaugh, Sheila Cole, Jaims Lee Cole, Travis Cole, Silver Cole, and Christopher Wooden;
- Step-grandchildren: Stephanie Minter & Scott Arellano-Paudois;
- great-grandchildren, Haley, Emma, Macey, Jace, Oliver, Joseph, Savannah, Hayden, Hailey, Mya, Piper Jo, Esperanza, Marguerite, Toran, Kyla Jade, and Cash;
- numerous other relatives and friends.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers: Al, Edward, Robert, and Jack; and sisters: Virginia, Laura, Bernice, Eleanor, and Rose.
From Escanaba Daily Press with minor edits and links by W. Wesley Groleau.
Greg and I remember so well Uncle Richard’s smile and many stories from his experiences around the world. He was so sincere, funny, and interesting. We want his family to know that we are thinking of them during this time of loss. Uncle Richard will be missed, but there are tons of great memories that everyone can carry forward.
Posted by Greg and Linda Krause on May 12, 2021