Robert Lee Grow

Robert Lee Grow (Bob) passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, in Grapevine, Texas, with family at his side. Born on November 16, 1934, in Hamilton, Ohio, he was the son of Robert Elijah Grow and Daisy Marie Bercaw Grow.

At the age of 6, the family moved to Largo, Florida where his childhood was spent, and he learned the value of hard work. He had a paper route and sold grapefruit by the side of the road to earn money to buy a scooter. Eventually, he had enough money to buy a car, which he hand-painted with a brush!

He graduated from Florida Southern College in 1955, was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy in 1956 and went on to become a Naval Flight Officer (NFO). That same year he married his elementary and high school sweetheart, Meda Kathleen Farmer (Dede). Together they embarked on a life of service and worldwide adventure. Life took them across the U.S., to Hawaii, and to the Philippines. During this time, they raised three children: Janet, Jennifer, and David.

Bob’s career in naval aviation included long deployments and missions, including two tours in Vietnam. He received several medals during his service, including the Navy Air Medal. Following a 24-year career in the Navy, he retired in 1980. He then began his education career as a Naval Junior ROTC Instructor serving in local high schools. He still wore his uniform and helped shape the minds and careers of high school students. Several of Bob’s students went on to the Naval Academy to start their service.

Bob was known as the ultimate “fixer,” the problem solver, the man who could build, repair, and improve almost anything.

Bob’s greatest earthly joy was his wife of 68 years and his family. They took many trips in the U. S. and the world, making cherished memories for his children and grandchildren. Perhaps the greatest memories were made in Bob and Dede’s mountain home in Highlands North Carolina. Endless summers were filled with hiking, swimming, fishing, playing games, rivers, berry picking, ice cream and more. These will now forever be a part of Bob and Dede’s family’s traditions.

As the patriarch of the Grow family, Bob exemplified a sacrificial, generous and servant-hearted life. If you want to know and understand Bob Grow, you can find him in the advice he left behind: “Show up early, don’t watch the clock, learn more than anyone else, and keep a positive attitude, even in frustrating situations.” If your life crossed paths with Bob, you were able to experience his quick wit and generous heart. He brought light and humor to every occasion and always had to add his “Ho, Ho, Ho” to make you laugh!

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife Meda Katleen Farmer Grow (Dede), who passed away September 30, 2024. He is survived by their children Janet (Ted) Hull-Ryde, Jennifer (David) Murphy and David (Janny) Grow, 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

A service will be held to honor his life and memory at Lucas Funeral Home at 10a.m. on March 16, 2026, located at 1601 S Main St., Keller TX 76248. There will be a reception following the service.