John Groendyke, the family member who expanded Enid-based Groendyke Transport into an international trucking firm will be buried this week in Enid.
Groendyke was also known for being a conservationist who served 44 years on the the Oklahoma Wildlife Commission, the longest tenure in U.S. history and worked with the Nature Conservancy to protect the landscapes he loved. He also served as Chairman and member of the Board of Directors for the Grand National Quail Club and Foundation, helping pioneer the annual Grand National Quail Hunt in his hometown.
John was born on August 17, 1944, in Enid, Oklahoma, to Harold and Pauline Groendyke. He passed away on June 13, 2026, at the age of 81, surrounded by his family.
An only child, John, grew up in Enid during the early years of his father’s company, Groendyke Transport. Some of his earliest memories were spent at his father’s first terminal on North Grand, watching trucks being hand-lettered with the family name. He would go on to witness, and later help guide, the remarkable rise of Groendyke Transport from an upstart company into one of the largest tank truck carriers in the nation.
At age 13, John left Enid for Lexington, Missouri, where he attended Wentworth Military Academy from sixth grade through junior college. As with most things in his life, John completed his schooling with distinction. Upon graduation in 1964, he had earned the rank of Cadet Brigade Commander, the highest possible rank at the time.
He then set his sights on a bachelor’s degree, enrolling at Oklahoma State University and joining the Sigma Nu fraternity, where he formed several lifelong friendships. He graduated from OSU in 1968 and went on to earn his Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma in 1969.
John served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971, beginning as a First Lieutenant and completing his service as a Captain. He served in the Transportation Corps, but because of his law degree, spent much of his time with the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Even while busy with school and military service, he always made time to stay involved in his father’s business.
John was equally known for his refined eye as a collector. His collection of antique and classic cars was among the most admired in the country, frequently earning top honors at prestigious shows from Pebble Beach to Amelia Island.
A lifelong resident of Enid, John’s philanthropic spirit was immense. From Leonardo’s Children’s Museum to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, the generosity of John and his wife, Virginia, reached into every corner of state and local life. He served on numerous local and state boards, and throughout his life generously supported organizations, nonprofits, religious institutions, and businesses in Enid and throughout Oklahoma. He also gave to national organizations and to his alma maters: Wentworth Military Academy, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Oklahoma.
His many honors – including induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and the OSU Hall of Fame, as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Tank Truck Carriers – reflect a life lived with integrity, passion, and a profound sense of community.
John was a mentor, leader, and friend to many. He is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia; his children, Shawn (Greg) Hodgen, Melanie (David) Mason, Hayden (Jami) Groendyke, and Tucker (Catherine) Groendyke; his grandchildren, Gage Hodgen, Zane Hodgen, Declan Freeman, Coulter Freeman, Isabelle Groendyke, Sophia Groendyke, Lucia Groendyke, Harold Groendyke, Evelyn Groendyke, Grant Mason, Collin Mason, and Garrett Mason; and his great-grandchildren, Sam Mason, Charlie Mason, Millie Mason, and Mack Mason.
He is also survived by a host of extended family members, friends, colleagues, and employees who will carry his vision forward. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Pauline Groendyke.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Oklahoma Wildlife Foundation, OMRF Parkinson’s Disease Division, or to First Presbyterian Church of Enid with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home and Crematory, P.O Box 3501 Enid, OK 73702 serving as the custodians of the funds.
