Robert Ellis "Buddy" Groves Jr., age 63, of a resident of Columbia, formerly of Charleston and Sikeston, Missouri, passed away surrounded by friends and family on Thursday, March 25, 2021.

Buddy was born April 9th, 1957 in Cairo, IL to Robert Ellis Groves and Connie Jean (Cook) Groves. He was raised in Charleston and Sikeston where he was an avid fan of both high school's sports teams.

Even though he was born with Cerebral Palsy he never let it slow him down.  He was an active fan of the Mizzou Tigers and his beloved St. Louis Cardinals.  You would often find him at one of those games or at a concert.  He loved country music, but loved Elvis Pressley more than anyone.  Buddy was also an active member of Missouri United Methodist Church in Columbia.

Survivors include one brother; Jerry (Barb) Groves of Columbus, Ohio; one sister; Letta Schnell of Columbia; two aunts, Cathy (Steve) Yoakum of Columbia and Dorothy Burton of Sikeston; also several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 28, 2021 at the Missouri United Methodist Church in Columbia from 1:00 p.m. until the Funeral hour at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Fred Liest, pastor, will officiate. Buddy's cousin, Michael Yoakum of Columbia, will serve as Eulogist.

Interment will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 29, 2021, at the IOOF Cemetery in Charleston with his cousin,  Michael Yoakum, officiating.

Services are under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

Pallbearers will be Jeffrey Yoakum, Steve Yoakum, Patrick Durham, Brad Peters, Matt Collins, and Randy Schnell.

Honorary Pallbearers are Brad Blain, Ron Meyer, David Jones, Jeff Harris, and Fred Liest.

Memorial contributions can be made in honor of Robert E. Groves Jr. for the Buddy Legacy Fund. Donations will be used to purchase a memorial bench and support the group homes and staff which have been so supportive of Buddy and his family. Please Venmo @Julie-Durham-4. Checks can me made out to Julie Durham and mailed to 197 Seabrook Drive Chesterfield, MO 63017. Please put "Buddy Legacy Fund" in the notes/memo line. Let's keep Buddy's positive attitude and generous spirit alive!

Memorial Flowers should be delivered to the Missouri United Methodist Church, 204 S. 9th Street, Columbia, MO 65201.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.