Frederick "Fred" Groom

Frederick Groom III, affectionately known as Fred, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2024, at the age of 95, with his family by his side. Born on December 10, 1928, in Baltimore, Maryland, Fred graduated from Towson High School and attended Johns Hopkins University during the 1945-1946 school year. Fred enlisted in the US Army on September 21, 1951, transferred to the Army Reserve on September 21, 1953, and was honorably discharged on January 4, 1957.

His career began in the ready-mixed concrete industry in 1953 with Harry T. Campbell Sons’ Corporation. In 1972, Fred moved his family to Denver, Colorado, to assume a management position at City Concrete Company. In 1975, he was appointed Vice President of Operations for Walt Flanagan and Company, where he focused on improving quality control procedures and educating industry professionals. In 1988, Fred became the Executive Director of the Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association (CRMCA) and expanded his role in 1989 to include the Colorado Rock Products Association (CRPA). He led these associations through financial difficulties and established vital legislative and regulatory monitoring programs. Fred's dedication to improving industry standards and his joy in social interactions were evident in his professional and personal life.

Fred married Minnetta Martha Lowery on February 28, 1953, and they remained married until her passing in July 2012. Together, they raised two sons, William F. (Lynda) and Jeffrey L. (Sandy) and cherished their grandsons Jeffrey A. and Adam J. (Erin), as well as four great-grandchildren. Fred is survived by his sons, grandsons, and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Minnetta, and his sister Jane.

During his leisure time with family, Fred would enjoy boating on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland as well as skiing and sailing on weekends while at his condominium in Dillon, Colorado. Fred was also a long-time member of the El Jebel Shrine, where he volunteered at Children's Hospital, and was an active participant in the Computer Club, Cad-Linc Club, and his favorite, the Jesters, where he enjoyed sharing a good joke. During his retirement years, Fred continued to "hold court," sitting at the end of the kitchen table, telling stories about his past and slipping in a few jokes along the way.

Fred will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all his colleagues, friends, and extended family who have taken the time throughout the years to visit with him and laugh at his jokes. Whenever someone would come to see him, he would always say, "Hi, boy am I glad to see you. Sit down for awhile."

A memorial service to honor Fred's life will be held at 11:30 AM on July 12, 2024, at Horan & McConaty, 1091 S. Colorado Blvd. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Shriners Hospitals for Children, c/o El Jebel Shrine, 3443 S. Galena Street, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80231.