John Groves Obituary

John W. Groves

John W. Groves Sr., 90, of Fostoria, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021, in Fostoria.

He was born Oct. 16, 1931, in Fostoria, to Clyde and Mary (Phillips) Groves. John is survived by a son, John William Groves Jr. of Anchorage, Alaska; daughters, Bernadette Marie Groves of Flemington, New Jersey, and Brenda (Groves) Williams of Fostoria; six grandchildren, Jessica E. Groves (Cyr) and Phillip E. C. Groves of Panama City, Florida, Karl Stahl and Danielle Stahl of Hillsboro, New Jersey, Carver John 'CJ" Williams, and Lauren Williams of Fostoria; and four great-grandchildren.

John married Janet Keely on Jan. 22, 1966, in Risingsun and they spent many happy years in Ohio and Florida until she passed away in 2002.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters; and wife, Janet.

John was a U.S. Army veteran, having served as a munitions handler and mechanic from 1949-1952, the majority of which time was spent in the U.S. recovery efforts in Germany after World War II. During his time in the service, he earned an Occupation medal and a Good Conduct medal. His memberships included the Am Vets, American Legion, and VFW, Fostoria, as well as Fostoria Moose and Elks Lodges, Fostoria Masonic Lodge, and was a member of Shriner's Clubs of Fostoria and Toledo.

John was a hard-working man throughout his life. In his younger years, he was a tour bus driver for big band groups like Duke Ellington. For many years following, he was an independent semi-truck driver until which time he joined Roppe Corporation's truck driving team where he worked until he retired. John loved riding his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle with clubs that he was a member of both in Ohio and Florida. As an avid sportsman, hunting and fishing were a passion of his and he enjoyed sharing his knowledge and expertise with others.

A very sociable man, John was matter-of-fact and always willing to share his opinion. He was fiercely proud of his life, his accomplishments, and his family.

Memorial visitation will be Thursday, July 14, 2022, at MANN-HARE-HOENING Funeral Home, 407 N. Countyline St., Fostoria, 44830, from 10-11 a.m. followed by military honors provided by Fostoria United Veterans, a Masonic service, and memorial service.

Memorial contributions may be considered to Shriners International, or Ann Arbor VA Hospital. Online expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting www.hoeningfuenralhome.com.