Richard Louis Grote was born September 2, 1953 to Mary (Brackeen) and Wilbert L. Grote in Wichita Falls, Texas. He died September 27, 2024 with his wife by his side. He had suffered with heart problems for over 20 years.
Richard graduated from S.H. Rider High School. He enjoyed working on the school newspaper, American literature class, and participating on the Debate Team. He was an Eagle Scout. He earned his B.A. from Midwestern State University in 1973. He was an accountant in Wichita Falls, TX, Lubbock, TX, and Lawton, OK where he met his wife, Fanny L. (Jenkins) at a citywide Bible study.
They moved to Alameda, CA, where he was an accountant for Naval Air Rework Facility (NARF) and then Naval Air Station. After their two children were born they moved to Memphis, TN where he worked for the DOD before moving to Camp Hill, PA to work for DLA, New Cumberland. In addition, Richard assisted in the administrative office at the Baptist Resource Network of Pennsylvania/South Jersey, where his wife Fanny also worked.
Surviving Richard are his wife, his son Daniel (Katherine) of Annapolis, MD, his granddaughter, Elizabeth, and two brothers: Donald Grote (Pam) of Lufkin, TX and David (Susan) Grote of San Francisco, CA.
He is predeceased by his son, Joshua Richard Grote and his parents.
Richard was a member of Country & Town Baptist Church, Mechanicsburg, where he served as a preschool teacher and deacon. He enjoyed singing in the church choir and a highlight of his life was singing a solo in one of the children’s musicals. It was a disappointment to him when he had to quit the choir for health reasons.
Richard enjoyed reading and watching movies, especially Creature Feature. He listened to all genres of music and was knowledgeable about many of the musicians. He was fascinated by all things Aliens. After growing up in Tornado Alley, tornadoes were one of his favorite subjects to read about and watch on tv. In his later years he enjoyed watching Korean and Japanese cooking shows.
Most of all, Richard loved God and studying His word.. He loved spending time with his family and always enjoyed visits from his granddaughter.
Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Country & Town Baptist Church, 220 Gettysburg Road, Mechanicsburg.
This obituary was originally published by Malpezzi Funeral Home.