Robert E.L. Groves 1865-1949

GROVES, SMITH, LUKE, WISE, GIBSON, MCKEE

Posted By: Volunteer-Barbara Evans
Date: 2/7/2012 at 10:46:02

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Scrapbook A, page 283, Keosauqua Public Library; Keosauqua, IA

Robert E.L. Groves’ Rites Held Sunday

Douds – Final rites for Robert E.L. Groves, 84, were held at the Pedrick funeral home on Sunday, October 30, at 2:00 p.m. The Rev. Robert G. Farr conducted the services.

Special music was given by Mr. and Mrs. Keith Gaston. Interment was in the Groves cemetery. Pallbearers included Clarence Fisher, Fred Williams, Clarence Clayton, Jay Zeitler, James Zeitler and Ellsworth Buckles.

Mr. Groves died Friday, October 28th.

Robert Edward Lee Groves, son of Thomas N. and Rachel Smith Groves, was born in Van Buren County, Iowa on April 1, 1865, and passed away quite suddenly at Milton on October 28, 1949, at the age of 84 years, 6 months and 27 days.

Mr. Groves spent most of his life in Van Buren county. He attended the Ellis and Valley rural schools and was a prominent speaker at the old-fashioned literary meetings. He was superintendent and teacher at the Providence Baptist church where he attended Sunday School and church until services were discontinued there. As long as Mr. Groves was able, he was prominent in community affairs, being school director and president of the school board for fifteen years and also a township trustee. Even in later life, he was much interested in the school and community welfare. One of his greatest pleasures was attending the annual homecoming at the Valley school.

“Robbie,” as he was called by everyone, stayed at home and cared for his parents in their declining years, later buying the home farm which is about three miles northwest of Lebanon. He was generous, industrious, a good neighbor, and well liked by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Franklin, Jacob, Charles and William, and three sisters, Ida Luke, Jane Wise and Alice Gibson. He is survived by one brother, George W. Groves of Douds and one sister, Mrs. Amanda McKee of Troy, several nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends.