David Sylvan Groves

David Sylvan Groves, 70, of Colleyville, Texas, passed away on October 13, 2026, surrounded by his family, following a short, fierce battle with leukemia.

David was born on February 11, 1956, in Ridgewood and raised in Paramus, New Jersey, to Stanley and Sylvia Groves. Raised in the Jewish faith, David’s spiritual journey eventually led him to a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ, which brought him great peace, purpose, and joy. He was baptized into the Lutheran Church at age 60. He valued worship, the Christian life he shared with his family, and the fellowship of his Tuesday Bible study group. His family is grateful for the years they shared with him and holds fast to the hope found in Christ.

His love of flying began early. At just 15 years old, he learned to fly through the Civil Air Patrol, setting the course for a life in aviation. He graduated from Paramus High School in 1974 and went on to attend the United States Air Force Academy, graduating with the Class of 1978.

David served on active duty in the United States Air Force from 1978 to 1985 and continued his service in the Air Force Reserve until 1994, retiring as a major. During his military career, he flew the T-38, KC-10, and KC-135. In 1990, he flew four missions in Operation Desert Storm. In 1985, he joined American Airlines, beginning a 36-year career during which he flew the 757, 767, S80, and 777 and was based in both Dallas and New York. He retired from American Airlines in 2021.

David and Nancy met while serving in the Air Force at Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock, Texas. They were married on November 17, 1984, and made their home in the Grapevine and Colleyville area after moving to the Dallas–Fort Worth area in 1985. Together, they built a life centered on family, friendships, travel.

After retiring from American Airlines, David devoted himself more fully to Hi IQ Homes of Texas, a home automation business he had built as a side venture. He brought the same curiosity, precision, and problem-solving ability to the business that had defined his aviation career. Even during his final weeks, David remained focused on the people around him, working to ensure that his business partners were positioned for success.

Flying remained a part of David’s life even after retirement. He and Nancy purchased a Cirrus aircraft and enjoyed exploring the country together, often visiting friends. They loved traveling, discovering new places, and sharing a good wine along the way.

David took great pride in being a father to Katie and Jonathan. He encouraged them to do their best, solve problems, work hard, and do the right thing. Even with the demands of his career as an airline pilot, he was a familiar face at his children’s activities and sporting events, sometimes arriving straight from a flight in his pilot uniform or arranging his layovers to intersect their college study abroad locations. He was even wearing the AA uniform when he came to the hospital to meet his first grandchild, fresh off a trip.

From the time their grandchildren were born, David was already hyping them up for ski school and looking forward to sharing his love of skiing with them. He helped make skiing a family tradition, creating wonderful memories on the slopes with his children and grandchildren.

David was a devoted grandfather to all four of his grandchildren and took great pleasure in their everyday lives, from family dinners and soccer games to school events and the small things that made each of them happy. He could often be found searching eBay for vintage LEGO airplanes and Barbie parts, finding thoughtful ways to encourage their interests and make them smile. He cherished the special bond he shared with each of them.

David’s friendships spanned a lifetime. He stayed connected to friends from high school, the Air Force Academy, his military service, and his years at American Airlines. After retiring from American Airlines, he became more active in the Colleyville community, supporting many local conservative political causes, serving on the Colleyville Planning and Zoning Committee, and supporting the Tarrant County College Foundation. His volunteer work brought many new friendships and gave him another way to contribute to the community he called home.

David is survived by his wife, Nancy Groves; his daughter, Katie Lowe, and her husband, David, and their children, Dean and Hope; his son, Jonathan Groves, and his wife, Amy, and their children, Calvin and Clara; his mother, Sylvia Groves; his sister, Janet Wallach, and her husband, Jason; his niece, Abigail Wallach; and his nephew, Andrew Wallach, and his wife, Miriam. He was preceded in death by his father, Stanley Groves.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to one of the following organizations he wished to support:

• Legacy Deo endowment for Crown of Life Lutheran Church
• GCISD Special Athletics Booster Club
• Tarrant County College Foundation in support of its Air Traffic Control program
• Cirrus COPA Safety Training
• U.S. Air Force Academy class of 1978 fund

A funeral service will be held at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in Colleyville, Texas, on October 17, 2026, at 2:00pm. The family will host a reception afterwards in the church’s event center.

Interment will take place at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.