Clarence Herbert Groceman

Clarence Herbert Groceman, 85, of Cumming, GA passed away peacefully on Friday, March 5, 2010. He was born May 25, 1924 in Kansas City, MO to the late Ida and Marion Groceman and, as a child, moved to Peoria, IL. He was also predeceased by his wife of 28 years, Lorraine Susan (Lefebvre) Groceman and brother, Wallace Martin Groceman. In 1941, he joined the US Marine Corps and served as a Staff Sergeant in the Pacific Theater during WWII. After his discharge, Clarence resumed civilian life by continuing his education under the GI Bill and graduating in 1950 from Purdue University with a Bachelor s degree in Civil Engineering. He held several positions before settling, in 1963, in Virginia Beach, VA. In 1967, he accepted a position in the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) embarking on a career that took him to developing world countries on many construction projects. Between his service as a US Marine and his career with USAID, Clarence traveled to 75 countries and had many fond memories of his experiences with friends from his travels. In 1984 Clarence was nominated by President Ronald Reagan, and with the advice and consent of the Senate, was appointed as a Foreign Service Officer, a Consular Officer and a Secretary in the Diplomatic Service of the United States. After retiring from government service, Clarence formed a partnership and spent several years as a homebuilder in South Carolina before retiring to Cumming, GA in 1997. Clarence was a Master Mason of sixty-one years and Life Member of the Grand Lodge of A.F. and A.M. of Illinois, Lodge No.263. He was also a twenty-five year member of the Mercedes Benz Club of America and served as Treasurer of the Peachtree Section in Georgia for the ten years preceding his failing health. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Doris Barnett Stringer Groceman of Milton, GA: daughters, Kathy Sue (Bill) Scott and their son, Kelty of Virginia Beach, VA and Debby Kay (George) Sweeney and their daughter, Susan of Poway, CA. In his honor and memory, the family has planned a Tribute to Clarence to be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, March 14, 2010 at Laurel Creek Manor (7955 Majors Road, Cumming, GA 30041). He will then be interred at Smithville Cemetery in Hanna City, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to Crossroads Hospice (1957 Lakeside Parkway, Tucker, GA 30084) whose caring support and loving guidance will never be forgotten. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 886-9899