Kermit Abner Groat

Kermit Abner Groat passed away on May 22, 2026 to be with His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was born in Montague, CA on September 8, 1935 and grew up in nearby Yreka on his ranch. He was a member of the US Marine Corp for 9 years, and then a member of the US Army for 11 years. He served one tour in Japan and another tour in Vietnam and was distinguished with many meritorious honors before retiring in 1974. He settled his family in Pace, FL, and lived there for 52 years before his passing. He loved preaching about Jesus and taught his family to love Christ. He was a member of the Missionary Baptist Association (ABA) and served in several churches through the years. Kermit greatly enjoyed Southern Gospel music and loved listening to his family sing. He worked at NAS Pensacola as a civil servant until he retired again in 1998. He is preceded in death by his parents Kermit W. Groat and Katherine R. Groat, then his first wife of 45 years Frances Groat, and later stepsons Floyd Groh, Jr and Rod Groh. Kermit is survived by his now wife of 21 years, Barbara J Groat, and his son and 3 daughters and their spouses: Michelle Hohn (Richard), Kermit Brian Groat (Brenda), Sherry Parnell (Howard), and Jana Ellis (Byron). He is also survived by his stepdaughter Carlotta Majewski (Mark) and step son Tracy Groh. His grandchildren and spouses are the following: Laura Barrett (Stephen), Richard Hohn, Katelyn Groat, Kevin Hohn, Brandon Parnell (Lisa), Kerri Adornado (Sean), Mekenzie Ellis, Madison Ellis, Elizabeth Ellis, and Rebekah Groh, Taylor Groh, Shane Oliver, Miranda Carpenter (Jeff), Brandi Majewski and Jessica Majewski. His great grandchildren are Quinn Parnell, Robert Barrett, Willow Parnell, Alicia Oliver, Jake Oliver, Vanity Oliver, Tristan Groh and River Hittle. We will miss him and remember him always.