Deacon Aaron Leon Groce, Sr. was born on November 14, 1949, in Gary, Indiana, to the late Bennie and Nancy Groce. He was called to be with the Lord on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Methodist Hospitals Southlake Campus in Merrillville, Indiana.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Theresa Ellis; two sisters, Constance Marie Groce and Linda Brown; two brothers, Harold and Jerome Groce.
He was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Diana Bray, on August 15, 1999, and they shared many cherished years together until her passing.
A man of deep faith, Aaron accepted Christ and became a devoted member of Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana, where he faithfully served as a Deacon.
Deacon Groce dedicated his professional life to education and athletics, serving the Gary Community School Corporation. He retired in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and service.
He leaves to cherish his memory, four children, Heady (Kent) Brown, Lalita Groce, Dionne Groce, and Aaron Leon Groce, Jr., and bonus son, Jason (Schamaiah) Hayden; siblings, Vivian Kirkwood, Juanita Walker, and Edward (AL) Groce, special nephew, Isaac Craig; 20 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and extended family.
Deacon Groce will be remembered as a devoted husband and a faithful servant of the Lord. He valued his place within his extended family and cherished the moments he shared with those who he cared for and cared for him. His life reflected faith, commitment, and community, and he will be respectfully and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
The funeral service will also be live streamed on Facebook at the day and time of service.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1GUdhda1fq/
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