Karl Groves

Karl Eugene (Gene) Groves - 82 - of Sunrise Beach, MO was carried into our Loving Saviors Arms - Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012. Born June 8, 1929 to Emil Charles Groves and Florence Opal (Colwell) Groves, who along with sister, Winifred Welling, preceded him into death. Survived by Loving Family - spouse Barbara, six children - Suzanne Haddad, Robin Groves, Laura Giese, Christian Groves - all of Phoenix, AZ, Danny Groves of Draper, UT, Jeffrey Groves of Camdenton along with 15 Grandchildren, 14 Great Grandchildren, and extended family. Grandpa had a special love and bond in his heart with all of his grandchildren. Raised in St. Joseph, he graduated from Benton High School class of 1947. Highlight was playing in the 1946 National Championship Peanut Bowl in Georgia. He attended NWMU in Maryville before joining the Marines. An avid photographer throughout his life, he also enjoyed traveling, and the great outdoors. Gene had a love for scouting; earning his Eagle and spending many years as a youth leader at Camp Gieger in St. Joe. After moving to Phoenix he earned the prestigious "Wood Badge" while mentoring 12 Eagle Scouts and spent many summers at Camp Geronimo as Scout Master. Gene was past president and co-founder in 1960 of the Papago Mountain Lions Club along with Barbara who was the first auxiliary charter President of the Lioness Club in Scottsdale AZ. Gene was a member of the Elks Club and El Zaribah Shrine in Phoenix, as well as York Rite in Scottsdale, and Blue Lodge in St Joseph, MO. Gene specialized in the furniture business, furnished many pools throughout the greater Phoenix area, and owned several furniture stores in his earlier years in MO and AZ. Gene's loyalty was always family, friends, and his dogs. Gene and Barb moved to the Lake in 1996, retiring after 43 years at Church Interiors were he furnished many churches nationwide. He was extremely patriotic and Loved America. He would always take time to salute or shake the hand of any service member anywhere anytime. He was a wonderful story teller with a love for canoeing, gardening, roses, good Mexican food, and anything chocolate. We will always remember Genes love of music and holding Mom in his arms as they waltzed across the floor. Gene and Barbara just celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. The entire Groves family would like to thank the VA Hospital and Dr. Haddad in Columbia, The VA Clinic and Dr. Carter in Camdenton, and the Osage Beach Care and Rehabilitation Center nurses, staff and nutritional services. Your thoughtfulness, care , and compassion will always be remembered. You are all Angels ! Memorial Services to be held in Phoenix, AZ at a later date, with his final resting place in the VA section of Greenwood Memorial Park in Phoenix. In Lieu of flowers - please plant a rose bush in memory of a loved one. Our HOPE is that we see him again; our FAITH assures us that we will; and our LOVE sustains us until we do. AMEN. "HE forgives all my sins, and heals all my diseases" Psalm 103:3