Tom Groundwater

Profile Updated: August 23, 2009
Tom Groundwater
Residing In: Springfield, MO USA
Spouse/Partner: Mary E. Groundwater
Occupation: Head Custodian, Holland Elementry School--Spfld.
Children: Thomas Michael, May, 1963
Ronda Lynn (Rice) Horton, Nov.,1965
Military Service: Navy  
What is your first instantaneous memory of Parkview?

Just that the summer was over and that I would have to go to school...Some of you will remember that I didn't care for school that much. I just wanted out so I could join the NAVY.

Who was your favorite teacher and/or class and why?

Bob Russel, because he would let me read the math questions answers to the class because He knew that Algebra was not for me. Passed but not by much.

What was your most embarrassing moment at Parkview?

When Gary Newton and I though that we would save our Hair Cut money by giving each other a hair cut. It was the pits and my father had to give me a very short Buzz cut. The next day was picture day and I ( as far as I know) am the only in the year book with a hat on..(57 or 58) Mr. Rathbone tried to get me to take it off in music, but I didn't want to. When I finally did' She said " Oh My, PUT IT BACK ON" Have never forgot that.

What was your favorite song and who sang it?

Had many. But didn't like Elvis at all until he got out of the Army. I was a Pat Boon fan at that time.

Describe your car and favorite destination:

It was a 1948 willys Jeepster convertible. I guess the favorite destination of the Jeep was my home. It always found its way home with me intacked.
Need I say more, you can make up any ale tale and it most likely would be true.

How have you changed since Parkview?

Got fat (240) Lost a bunch of HAIR on the top of me head. Looked like a birds nest ( If I had an Afro) I DIDN'T. Don't drink very often or much.
Guess thats it because I was always a very sweet person. Well now that I think of it, I have developed a TEMPER that sometimes will erupt.

What careers have you pursued?

Several 1st- Navy--Sea sickness ended that one.
2nd-Selling Beauty and Barber supplies,
too much traveling and working with
Beauty operators ended that one.
3rd- 20 years with Dayco.Downsized.
4th- Springfield school system ah a Head
custodian. Think I will stay Here. Love working around the Elementary students. they keep you younger and they are not as mouthy. Are you smarter than a 5th grader ???

What has been your most exciting or interesting experience?

Attending the Grandchildrens ball games. Mary and I have 4 and thet all play at least 2 sports,
Basketball and softball or baseball.Our girl twin Sammy, Tied the 3 point record for one game and was in the top 3 point shooters of the nation.
and of course being married to Mary for 42 1/2.
This year Mary and I went to Halifax, Nova scotia, in June and thenwe took the grandchildren on a cruse through thebahamas. They realy enjoyed
The ship and the beaches.

What do you do these days to have fun?

With 4 grandchildren, that keeps us very bussy.our
twins, Sammy (G)and sonny (B) both 19,are in their 2ndyear at O.T.C and Sierra 15, is a Freshman and Skylor 10, is in the 4th grade. Both are in the Walnut Grove School Dist. where they live.

What is it you still hope to do/accomplish?

See all the crandchildren graduate from College and go into the careers that they have chosen.

RETIRE when when I no longer like my work.
Stay in Good Health
Take cruse to Alaska with Mary.
Continuing to live a happy and healthy life with my wife.MARY

Comments:

Well Poo!!! I still am in Grade School and it looks like I will never get out. But, I will grant you one thing and that is NO ONE HAS HAD AS MUCH FUN
AS I HAVE HAD OVER THE 23 YEARS THAT I'VE BEEN HERE.Do you think that is why My wife gets
unhappy with Me when I tell her " go easy on me. Remember i'm just in Elementry School" In April of this year we will have been married 42 years, so she knows me pretty well. Take pitty on her for I am not the eastiest to live with ( She is tho .

School Story:

When KI was in Rountree I was accused of putting my inetials on a desk ( didn't do it ). But when I went back to work at rountree, can you believe I looked all through that schood for a desk with my inetials on it. Could not find ine....

Tom's Latest Interactions

Connie Pauls Witmer has left an In Memory comment for Tom Groundwater.
Jan 18, 2021 at 2:42 PM

I always enjoyed spending time with Tommy at our reunions.  What a character!  He could lighten up the room with his quiet humor.  Glad I got to see him at the last reunion at Ron Wards.  So sad to lose him!  He will be missed!!

Annette Knapp Caforio has left an In Memory comment for Tom Groundwater.
Jan 02, 2021 at 4:37 AM

I am so sad to hear of another classmate's passing....Tom Groundwater...I remember him so well....He was "conspicuous" to say the least.....wanted to be !!.....He will be very missed....his memory, however, indelibly in our hearts and minds!  Rest in Peace our dear classmate and kind soul.....

James Spence has left an In Memory comment for Tom Groundwater.
Dec 31, 2020 at 4:31 PM

Tommy and I were neighbors and best friends and I will miss him.  Jim Spence 

Tom Groundwater has been added to In Memory.
Dec 31, 2020 at 2:21 PM
Tom Groundwater has a birthday today.
Oct 20, 2020 at 3:33 AM
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Oct 20, 2019 at 3:33 AM
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Oct 20, 2015 at 3:33 AM
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