Robert Dean (Bob) Groff

Robert Dean (Bob) Groff, 69, passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024, at home with his wife and friends by his side after nearly a year long battle with cancer. Bob was born on May 19, 1955, to Phillip and Marilyn Groff. He married Marcia Oatman on July 23, 1983, she survives.

Bob is survived by sisters, Pam Fugate and Lisa (Ryan) Sullivan, as well as several nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Stella Louise and James Oatman.

After high school Bob worked at International Harvester in Canton, Illinois for three years. His beloved friend taught him how to drive a semi and Bob loved driving. Bob then drove for several companies and individuals over the next 48 years including; Star Deliveries and Transfer, Big T Trucking in Oklahoma, Tobler Transfer, Munson Transportation, Risinger Brothers, Barr Nunn Transportation, Marten Trucking, Gordon Trucking, JBS Carriers and finished working at G+D Transportation. He drove in the 48 contiguous states as well as Canada and Mexico. Bob refused to give up his CDL.

Through the years, Bob enjoyed boating on the Illinois River and the Lake of the Ozarks. Bob then got a side by side and that was his favorite thing to do. He would call friends and go riding as often as he could; even up to two weeks before his death.

Bob had friends from coast to coast and enjoyed talking and visiting with them. In July 2013, Bob found out about John Wayne’s birthday party in Winterset, Iowa and made many annual trips to Winterset with Marcia and friends.

Through the years Bob was an Elk, a member of NRA, a member of the Moose Lodge in Canton, American Hunting Association, and OOIDA.

Services will be held at 11:30 AM on Monday December 23, 2024, at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. Rev. Kevin Van Tine will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM the same day. Burial will follow service at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, Illinois. Marcia asks that everyone wear casual attire as Bob wasn’t a fancy guy. Bob learned of Tunnel to Towers from his brother-in-law Jimmy Oatman, and requested that memorials be made to that organization. Lunch will be held at the American Legion in Canton following the burial. To view Bob’s DVD or to make an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com