Raymond Groves
Raymond Groves, 88, of Marion, passed away on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at 7:25 PM at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale with his family by his side.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Dr. Bob Wagner officiating. Military Rites will be conducted at the funeral home following the service with the Marion VFW, Marion American Legion and the Illinois National Guard. Mr. Groves will be interred in Rose Hill Cemetery following Military Rites. A time of gathering for family and friends will precede the funeral service starting at 10:00 AM on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to the Marion Military Ritual Team. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959.
Raymond was born on Tuesday, October 23, 1923 in Marion to Claude & Sylvia (Boles) Groves. He married his late wife, Novella, on Friday, September 21, 1945; she preceded him on Monday, December 27, 2010.
Mr. Groves dropped out of school and began working in the coal mines, to help his family financially. He later joined the US Navy and served proudly aboard the USS AMMEW during WWII. He worked diligently to overcome obstacles of his childhood, and life, to complete his education. Raymond became a successful businessman with the help of his dedicated wife, Novella.
Raymond is survived by his daughters, Kay & Ron Summers and Anita & John Lloyd; grandchildren, Jeremy Lloyd and Rebecca Summers. He loved them all dearly.
Mr. Groves was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Novella and brothers, Billy Eugene Groves & Donald Wayne Groves.
Mr. Groves was a member of the Marion Masonic Lodge #89 AF & AM, Marion VFW and an active member of Second Baptist Church in Marion. He supported DAV, loved to fish, enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, but most importantly, he loved his family.