Douglas R. Groom

Douglas “Dell” R. Groom, 87, of Dayton, WA, passed away on June 19, 2026, at home following an extended illness.

Dell was born on September 9, 1938, in Dayton, WA, to Earl and Thelma Witt Groom Sr. He graduated from Dayton High School in 1957 and entered the Army, serving a total of two years, including one year in Korea.

After returning from the Army, Dell worked at Steve’s Grocery for a short while, then spent 32 years at the Dayton Post Office as a mail carrier until his retirement in 1992.

On June 10, 1962, he married the love of his life, Joan K. Elder, in Dayton. He enjoyed his family, his siblings, and his home. Dell was an antique enthusiast and enjoyed refinishing antique pieces. Hobbies included gardening, playing cards, and going on trips with his family and siblings. Dell lost Joan in 2003 after an extended battle with cancer.

In 2008, Dell married Agnes “Aggie” Von Cadow in Lewiston, ID. They continued living in Dayton and enjoyed various cruises and many weekend trips. Aggie passed away in 2019 after a short illness, and they considered their 11 years of marriage a bonus after they each had lost their spouse and were alone.

Survivors include three sons: Shane Groom (Kim) of Spokane, WA, Marty Groom (Stephanie) of Prosser, WA, Ty Groom (Kurd) of Fredrick, MD; daughter Jodi Groom of Peoria, AZ; brothers, Phil and Jack Groom of Dayton, WA; sisters, Mona Waliser and Bitsy Livingston of Dayton, WA; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Dell was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Earl “Bud” Groom Jr.; and an infant brother; three sisters, Bess Bly, Earlene Boggs, Hubba Tate; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The memorial service will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Harvest Christian Church, 653 Wagon Rd, Dayton, with the Rev. Dave Sheppard officiating. Private inurnment will be in the family plot at Dayton City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Walla Walla Community Hospice, DHS Alumni Association, and United Brethren Church through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.