Raymond Russell Grooms, 57, of Mexico, passed away at 1:15 a.m. on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at his sister's home in Centralia after a short battle with cancer.

Graveside services will be on Saturday, October 9, at 11 a.m. at Southfork Cemetery with Joey Owen officiating. Anyone who wishes to join the family for lunch after the service may do so at Brick City Buffet in Mexico.

Raymond was born on July 26, 1964, in St. Louis, the son of Russell Adrian and Vivian Gertrude (Patterson) Grooms. He was a 1983 graduate of Community R-6 High School and worked in healthcare his entire life.

Mr. Grooms loved spending time with his family and friends, going on family float trips and family holiday dinners. He especially loved Christmas. He had a compassionate and loving heart for those he loved and those less fortunate. He was an avid animal lover and rescued abandoned and abused animals. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Survivors include one son, Cole Walterman of St. Louis; five siblings, Rita (Jeffrey) Lutz of Centralia, Gina (Kenneth) Rountree, Sr. of Mineola, Marlene Strauss of Bellflower, Bill (Marsha) Grooms of Mexico and Curt (Shurie) Grooms of Hatton; and several nieces and nephews.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; niece's Alisha Grooms and Adrianne Lutz-Jones; and brother-in-law Steve Strauss.