Thomas Lee Groom

Thomas Lee Groom, 28 of Abilene, passed away May 27, 2009 at his home. A service is scheduled for 2:00 pm Sunday May the 30th at Piersall Chapel, 733 Butternut St. with a visitation Saturday from 6-8 pm at the funeral home. His burial will be at the new Veteran’s Cemetery on 7457 West Lake Rd. in Abilene at 10 am Tuesday June 2nd, 2009. Thomas was born October 8th, 1980 in Hillsdale, Michigan to William Groom and Cherrie Bolenbaugh. Thomas graduated from high school in Gaylesville, Alabama and immediatley joined the service.

He decided to join the United States Air Force and took college courses while he served. Thomas loved to work on his truck and enjoyed four wheeling. He also enjoyed collecting and shooting guns as a hobby. During his time in the Air Force he worked on the B-1 bomber. He has lived in Abilene since 2000 and was honorably discharged from the service in 2006. During the time he served his country he received the National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Air Force Training Ribbon. Since his discharg from the Air Force, Thomas had been working for Coca- Cola as a mechanic. He truly enjoyed the friends he made there.

Thomas was preceded in death by his father William Thomas Groom. He is survived by his mother Cherrie Ferguson Bolenbaugh of Clyde and one brother, Chad Bolenbaugh of Alabama, Grandmothers; Mary Smith, of Hillsdale Michigan and Norma Belknap, of Moscow, Michigan. He also leaves behind many extended family members and friends. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com/