Allen "Tex" Groff

Allen "Tex" Groff was born September 20, 1927 to Wilbur and Opal Groff in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He passed away May 7, 2019 at the age of 91. He attended Frank Phillips College, received a degree in education from Henderson State University and a masters in counseling from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville.
Allen had many interests including fishing, reading, gardening, cooking and music. He also enjoyed using technology to stay current on world events as well as friends all over the globe. However, his strongest passion and priority throughout his life was for his love for Jesus and love for his family.
Allen grew up in west Texas but looked forward to spending summers at his grandparents' farm in Oklahoma. He also worked in the oil fields as a young man. He longed to serve his country during World War II so he joined the military in 1946. His service in the Coast Guard was so significant he could recount memories of practically everyday of his experience until his discharge in 1949. The following year he married Joyce Deaton with whom he had a 60 year honeymoon. He adored her until the day he died.
He was very musically gifted. At age 9 he played the violin at the 1936 Texas State Fair Centennial Exposition. At Frank Phillips College he was drum major and class president. In 1998 he was honored at the colleges' 50th anniversary for the contributions he made to the school, including writing the school song. He also played the piano & organ and sang in a quartet for radio in the 1950s. He wrote praise choruses for His Lord and romantic ballads for his wife. As a newly married man, he struggled with the decision to pursue a career as a concert pianist or enter the ministry. Fortunately for countless thousands of people around the world, he and Joyce choose a partnership in full time ministry. Because of the incredible love they had for each other and everyone they met, it is impossible to put into words their impact on individuals, couples, pastors, missionaries, churches and even physicians who gave them medical care over the years. He and Joyce pastored in West Virginia, Oklahoma, Illinois, Oregon, and Texas. They traveled overseas countless times to minister to missionaries and their families. His heart for people and God prevented him from ever retiring, preaching his last message just over 2 weeks ago on Easter Sunday.
Allen is preceded in death by his wife, parents, and his sister, Lois Crawford. He is survived by his four children Jan Groff, Teresa Groff, Scott Groff, and Denise Donofrio; and the extended Swick and Deaton families. A visitation will be held from Saturday, May 11th from 10:00 to noon at Charles W. Smith Funeral Home, 2925 5th St., Sachse, TX. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mill Valley Fellowship, 13545 Webb Chapel Road Farmers Branch, TX 75234.