MORGAN K. GROOVER, JR., ENS, USN
Morgan Groover, Jr. '50
Lucky Bag
From the 1950 Lucky Bag:
MORGAN KNOWLES GROOVER, JR.
Tempe, Arizona
Straight from the great Southwest and proud of it, The Mex matriculated at Navy after a year at the University of Arizona. A natural brain, he managed to triumph over his studies and also have plenty of time for good music and bridge, not to mention the dragging of beautiful women—to which he devoted most of his week ends. Afternoons usually found him giving his all for the company basketball team or enjoying a friendly bull session with the Radiator Squad. Easygoing, with his slow drawl and quick sense of humor, Morgan soon made himself a popular member of his company. His agreeable personality and his ability to mix well assure him success in his career.
MORGAN KNOWLES GROOVER, JR.
Tempe, Arizona
Straight from the great Southwest and proud of it, The Mex matriculated at Navy after a year at the University of Arizona. A natural brain, he managed to triumph over his studies and also have plenty of time for good music and bridge, not to mention the dragging of beautiful women—to which he devoted most of his week ends. Afternoons usually found him giving his all for the company basketball team or enjoying a friendly bull session with the Radiator Squad. Easygoing, with his slow drawl and quick sense of humor, Morgan soon made himself a popular member of his company. His agreeable personality and his ability to mix well assure him success in his career.
Loss
Morgan was lost on March 11, 1951 when the motor whaleboat he was on disappeared in Inchon Harbor, Korea. He was an officer aboard USS Saint Paul (CA 73); five enlisted men were also lost.
Other Information
From Arizona Republic on July 6, 1946:
Morgan K. Groover, 18-year-old son of Mrs. Geraldine E. Groover of Tempe and the late Morgan K. Groover, has passed preliminary examinations and has gone to Annapolis, Md., to enter the United States Naval Academy.
He received his appointment from Richard F. Harless, United States representative from Arizona. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. J. Fred Ellis of Phoenix.
Groover attended Tempe High School for three years and then transferred to Phoenix Union High School and was graduated in 1945. The past year he attended the University of Arizona and Arizona State College at Tempe for one semester each, studying engineering.
A native of Florida, he came to Arizona with his parents when a small child, residing first in Phoenix and later in Tempe…”
From researcher Kathy Franz:
Representatives of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars met the train and formed an escort to his private funeral service at Carr Mortuary Chapel. He was buried in Double Butte Cemetery.
Survivors include his mother, music supervisor of Tempe Elementary Schools, brother James, and sister Sue Ellen. His father’s sister, Mrs. Spessard L. Holland, was the wife of a Florida Senator.
Morgan has a memory marker in Arizona.
Photographs
From the Arizona Republic on November 19, 1951
Memorial Hall Error
While Morgan's loss appears to be operational, he was awarded the Purple Heart, which implies enemy action. He is not listed on the killed in action panel in the front of Memorial Hall.
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