John Groves

Uncle John's poem (authored by John Groves) Here lies the body of John D. Groves Leaving this life where only God knows Family and friends and a loving wife Helped John have a very good life Having family nearly drove him crazy Call him names (or anything) but don't call him lazy Would help a needy friend without a doubt Enjoyed working with the Boy Scouts Farm the land that his family (or ancestors) chose Down in the Valley that the big river flows Loves his country, his family, and his home Worked real hard for the little town of Rome Grieve not his passing for everyone knows He will do good where ever he goes Say a little prayer for John, Johnny Groves Rome, Indiana John David Groves, 92, passed away on September 30, 2021. John was born to James Joshua Groves and Dove Mabel (Pletcher) Groves on July 10th, 1929, in Wakarusa, Indiana, his mother's hometown. He was a graduate of Rome Elementary and graduated from Cannelton High School in 1947. He spent a semester at Indiana University with his future wife, Donna Lorenz, but then decided to return home to Rome to help with the family farm. After serving in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1953 with a tour in Korea during the Korean War, John again moved back to Rome, the community so dear to him, to become a lifelong farmer on the land that has been in the family since 1807. John married the former Donna Marie Lorenz on August 7th, 1955, in Tell City, Indiana. After that, John stayed busy behind the scenes for all of Donna's 43 years teaching at Cannelton's Myers Grade School. He organized show and tells, helped with field trips around southern Indiana, and hosted day trips to the farm. John and Donna took many road trips, most fondly, "out west" to Arizona. They often took several nieces and nephews along on their adventures. Their home on the farm was a gathering place for family and friends. To say they were second parents to much of the family does not express the deep significance of how important they were to so many. They always had an open door and were beyond generous to everyone. John was a quiet giver and together they never asked for anything in return. John was awarded the Silver Beaver Award for exceptional character and distinguished service as a Boy Scout Troop Leader. He led Troop 190, from 1971 to 1985, guiding six individuals through Eagle Scout. His influence extended far beyond meetings and campouts. He led several memorable trips to the Grand Canyon and the Rocky Mountains, with scouts piled into the back of his pick-up. He maintained special relations with many of his scouts throughout his lifetime. John dedicated over 25 years with the Perry County Emergency Management and Civil Defense, the Volunteer Fire Department and the Rome Community Center. He was a member of the Rome Masonic Lodge #133, Hadi Shrine Temple, York Rite, Scottish Rite, and a life member of the National Rifle Association. John's Air Force awards include the Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars and the National Defense Service Medal. John was preceded in death by his wife, Donna (2019), his father, James (aka Jamie or Colonel) (2001), his mother Dove (1985) and his sister, Ellen Bell (2004). John's surviving family includes in-laws, Jim and Gwen Lorenz, Midland, Texas, Judy Lorenz, Rome, Indiana, and Marsha Lorenz, Indianapolis, Indiana and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. John will be laid to rest at 3:00 PM on Friday, October 8, 2021, in the Wegenast Cemetery, Rome, Indiana, where there will be military rites conducted. Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of the 1818 Rome Courthouse or Rome Cemetery Association. Please contact Judy Lorenz to do so. To plant a tree in memory of John David Groves, please contact Matt Lorenz.