A Funeral Mass for John Francis Grote, 80, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, in the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. Viewing will be at Ferguson Funeral Home on Sunday, May 31st from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with the family present to receive friends. A Rosary Service will begin 6:00 p.m.

John Francis Grote was born June 12, 1945 in Greensburg, Indiana, to Leonard Grote and Hilda (Mauer) Grote. He passed from this life on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Chickasha, Oklahoma.

John grew up in Greensburg, Indiana, and attended Sandusky High School.

On August 21, 1971, he married Mary Gindling in Sunman, Indiana, and they shared almost 55 wonderful years together.

They moved to Chickasha in 1976 for the completion of the Delta Faucet manufacturing plant. After retiring from Delta Faucet as the Logistics Manager, he was named the Director of Special Young Adults. John was the President of the Chickasha Chamber in 2007 followed by employment with Arvest Bank in Business Development, retiring in 2012. He was active in many community activities, including Chickasha Opportunity Center, Festival of Light, Washita Valley Transit, Canadian Valley Vo-tech Foundation Board, Arvest Bank Board, Planning Committee and Board of Adjustment for the City of Chickasha.

John loved to tell and hear jokes. He loved seeing his grandchildren and spending time with family. He loved people and always had a smile with a positive attitude. He and Mary were members of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. He served on several church committees and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

John was preceded in death by both parents, brothers Gilbert Grote and Vince Grote, and sister Mary Ann Grote.

Loved ones left to remember him are his wife, Mary of the home; daughter Ellen Cole and husband Shane of Norman; son Eric Grote and wife Sarah of Edmond; grandchildren Jack Cole, Molly Cole, Keshaun Cole, Julia Grote, Jake Grote, Megan Grote, and Gretchen Grote; and other extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Center of Family Love, 635 W. Texas Ave., Okarche, OK 73762 or online at www.centeroffamilylove.org.

Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home.