Vaughn Edward Groom

Vaughn Edward Groom of Burleson, Texas, formerly of Guthrie, Oklahoma, passed away on November 28, 2022 at Vitas Healthcare at Baylor All Saints Medical Center at the age of 86 years.

Vaughn was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and was raised in Guthrie, Oklahoma. He received a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, in Physics. He later obtained a master’s degree in Computer Science from East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas. Early in his career he was employed by IBM and worked on the historic Apollo 11 moon mission.

He served in the United States Army where he was an instructor for missile training stationed at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas. He also served in the United States Air Force Reserve stationed in Amarillo, Texas.

Vaughn taught at The Episcopal School of Dallas. His latest teaching position was at TCC South Campus where he was adjunct professor in video and audio game construction until retirement at the age of 84.

He played piano at an early age and was pianist for several Baptist Churches and most recently at Bethesda Baptist Church of Burleson, Texas, where he was a member.

Vaughn had a quirky sense of humor, a love of language that included puns and jokes. He was a true wordsmith. He enjoyed studying the origin of words. He loved music, art and especially enjoyed concerts at Bass Hall by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. One of his favorite composers was Edward Elgar and the composition, “Nimrod”. He also enjoyed playing compositions by John Rutter an English composer of sacred music.

He was a member of the Association for Computing Machinery and American Institute of Physics. His interests ranged from making people laugh, playing the piano beautifully, and showing a servant’s heart by taking on the lowliest of tasks. His favorite quote was from Vangelis, “…music emerges from the chaos of noise.”

Survivors include his wife, Geneva Groom and Geneva’s daughter, Stephanie Weidman and Stephanie’s husband, Kevin Weidman, a cousin, Norma Harrod, son John Groom and John’s wife Johnna, Vaughn’s daughter, Lygia Lovelace, a brother, Ron Groom and a sister, Barbara Chapman and Barbara’s husband Glen Chapman.

Vaughn leaves behind grandchildren, Quinton Weidman and Quinton’s wife Tatyana, Juston Weidman and Juston’s wife Omi, Colton Weidman, Kierston Weidman, Bracken Lovelace, Brooklyn Lovelace, Chase Lovelace, Jonah Lovelace, Elijah Lovelace, and Will Groom.

He was preceded in death by his Father, John Groom and Mother, Dollie Groom, a sister, Dollie Canfield and Dollie’s husband, Mike Canfield, and a brother, Steve Groom.

Vaughn will be buried in the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Bethesda Baptist Church of Burleson, Texas, or to the charity of donor’s choice in lieu of flowers.