Gary R. Groves

Gary R. Groves, 87, of Butler, formerly of Chicora, joined God’s angel choir on Palm Sunday, March 24, 2024.

Gary was born in Kaylor on November 6, 1936.  He was the son of the late Margaret (Wiles) Groves and Gerald “Jake” Groves.

Gary was a 1954 graduate of Fairview Twp. Karns City High School. He lived most of his life in Petrolia, Chicora and most recently, Butler. He was very proud of his first job where he was awarded the Butler Eagle paperboy of the year trophy from delivering papers in Kaylor.  He was always excited to talk to anyone that mentioned that they ate at the Butler Hot Dog Shoppe in the 1950’s where he worked until starting his employment as a lab technician at Witco (Sonneborn) for 42 years before his retirement.  Gary also proudly served seven years in the National Guard. An avid golfer, he frequented many courses in the Butler and Foxburg areas, longing for that hole in one and always getting eagles. Anyone who knew him would tell you he was more interested in finding stray golf balls along the course to polish, sell and donate the money to his favorite charity, the American Cancer Society.

Gary was known to always carry a tune (especially when delivering papers), whether whistling or singing, you could hear him from a mile away. He loved to sing hymns and was a huge fan of the Gaither Vocal band; he saw them many times in concert with his daughter and granddaughter. He loved to tinker in his garage, building and fixing things, sometimes breaking things just to fix them again. He also loved to garden, planting many vegetables every year, and if he saw you in summer, he would probably give you a bag of fresh zucchinis.  Gary always had a twinkle in his eye or a witty comment to share. His huge heart was known to many and he always tried to help others in need or cheer them up when they were down. Gary would give his last dollar or the shirt off of his back if he thought it would help someone.

Gary met his wife, Carol when he was 20 and she was 17. They married a year later in 1957 and celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary this past July. Most of all, he loved his family. He was always the first one to get down on the floor and play with his grandchildren and great grandchildren; they were the apples of his eyes.

During the last few years, he lived at Chicora Medical Center where he was cared for by his favorite nurse, Karli, who always went above and beyond to make sure Gary was well taken care of and happy. He always said nurses like her make the world a better place.

Gary is survived by his wife Carol (Pyle) Groves, two sons, Richard Groves of Kent, OH and Jeffery Groves (Katherine) of Chicora; two daughters, Rebecca Case (Steven) of Raleigh, NC, and Rev. Dr. Jennifer Groves of Pittsburgh and his buddy, whom he called his “bonus son,” Bob Rupert of Chicora; six grandchildren, Stephen (Melanie) Groves, Lauren (Dylan) Stewart, Leah (Dan) Balk, Aprille (John) Metcalf, Eric Case, and Lynzy Groves; six great grandchildren, Evan and Madison Groves, Emma and Brayden Balk, and Caleb and Alice Metcalf; a sister, Rita Walborn of Oroville, CA; a brother, Lloyd (Sally) Groves of Canton, OH; a brother-in-law, Fred Greenawalt of Chicora; a sister-in-law, Marlene Moore of Karns City, as well as a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Margaretta Chrise and Wilda Greenawalt.

Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora, 339 Chicora Fenelton Rd., Chicora, from 3-7 p.m. Wednesday.  A funeral service will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. from the funeral home with the Rev. Amy Worline, Quality Life Services Chaplain, officiating.  Interment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery, Sugarcreek Twp., Armstrong County.  Memorial contributions may be made to a local food bank to help those in need or to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.  Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.

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