LYLE ROBERT GROTH,
80, of North Little Rock, Ark., gained his wings on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at home with his loving wife. He was born July 16, 1941, in Giddings, Texas, to Lyle G. Groth and Alice Reichelt Groth. He told lively childhood stories of what it was like as a child of parents who survived The Great Depression and the mischief he caused his mother. The son of a headmaster, Lyle had a thirst for knowledge and attended multiple universities, sometimes just for fun. He earned six degrees in his lifetime.
He served 20 years in the United States Air Force in the 308th Strategic Missile Wing – Technical Engineering Branch, retiring with the rank of Tech Sargeant. After leaving the military, he pursued a profession in education, serving as Executive Director for the National Education Center, Tampa Technical Institute. After his second retirement, he went on to work for the United States Postal Service. It was there he met his wife and travel companion, Janet Hecox Toombs.
He enjoyed many years taking a host of many train trips to various places and an annual New Year’s vacation to Disney World, which was his proclaimed “Happy Place”. He was an avid collector of Disney memorabilia.
He is survived by his wife and best friend, Janet, along with his “bonus” children, Barry Toombs (Jenny) and Jenny Thatcher; Grandsons Hayden Smith, Austin Toombs, Tyler Toombs, Bryan Toombs, and Christian Crawford.
He was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in North Little Rock, and had a multitude of friends. He is predeceased in death by his parents; and first wife, Carol Belanger Groth.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Trinity Lutheran Church 3802 N. Olive St. North Little Rock, Ark. 501-753-6824.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” – Psalm 116:15
Graveside service will be held at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, 1501 West Maryland Ave, North Little Rock, Ark., on Thursday December 16, 2021 at 10 a.m.
Arrangements entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Ark. 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.