V. Gordon Grove

V. Gordon “Gordy” Grove, 87, of Bucyrus, died Thursday, February 2, 2012 at Heartland of Bucyrus.

He was born December 29, 1924 in Bucyrus to the late Vernon and Bertha (App) Grove. Gordon attended high school at Holmes Liberty and then served his country during WWII. He served as a Sergeant and paratrooper with the 11th Airborne in the Pacific Theater. After his time in the Army, Gordon returned home and on August 5, 1950 married Betty Ann Weaver who preceded him in death on December 31, 2007.

Gordy worked from 1953 to 1986 with the Bucyrus Fire Dept., serving as Fire Chief the last 18 years of his career. While on the department, he took great pride in making sure he ran a strong department and thought of his fellow firefighters as his second family, particularly Graham Riley who he kept in contact with since retiring from the department.

Though Gordy loved being a firefighter, his first love was family. He and Betty spent many summers at the lake with their family boating, water skiing and fishing. He even named his favorite boat “The Betty Ann” after his wife. They bought a motor home and wintered in Florida for a few years but ended up missing the grandchildren and great grandchildren. The decision was made to live here year around so that he could experience the fulltime joy they provided, especially watching them compete on athletic teams for both Wynford and Col. Crawford.

Gordon grew up attending church at Good Hope Lutheran but transferred to St. Paul’s Lutheran in North Robinson so that he could be more involved with his family and their activities. He was also a member of the Bucyrus Lodge #139 F. American Legion, Post 181; and a life member of VFW Post 1078.

He is survived by a son, Gordon E. and Jody Grove of Bucyrus; five grandchildren, Shane (Stacy) Grove of Bucyrus, Crystal (Paul) Basel of Chagrin Falls, Matthew (Brandy) Grove of Bucyrus, Michael Grove of Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Mariah Grove of Bucyrus; seven great grandchildren, Hannah Grove of Charleston, S.C., Gabriella Grove and Olivia Grove, both of Bucyrus, Colby Basel and Aspen Basel, both of Chagrin Falls, Alexis Rose Dure` and Grayson Michael Grove, both of Bucyrus; one sister, Shirley Auld of Florida as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Gordon is preceded in death by a son, David Alan Grove and two sisters, Joyce Stewart and Carol Truka.

Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, February 7 at Wise Funeral Service where funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday with Pastor Wilmer Hallman officiating. Masonic services will be held at 4:45 p.m. Tuesday; a Firefighter Bell Ceremony will conclude the funeral and full military rites will be provided by the U.S. Army and Am. Legion, Post 181 Honor Guards at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of North Robinson, Col. Crawford Athletic Boosters or Wynford Athletic Boosters through the funeral home. To share memories or expressions of sympathy, please visit www.wisefuneral.com.



Visitation:

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 5 - 8 p.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio



Service:

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 10:30 a.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio



Cemetery:

Oakwood Cemetery, 835 Kaler Ave., Bucyrus, Ohio