Born July 17, 1936, in Sidney, Ohio, he was the son of the late Marjorie (Johnston) and Harland Groves Sr. Harland proudly served his country in the Air National Guard. After his enlistment, he continued to serve in the Guard as the Director of ESGR (Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve). He received the Seven Seals Award for his service as an Ombudsman securing benefits for the guardsmen.
Harland worked for 30 years as a benefits manager at Sprint. He was civic minded and served on several boards throughout Richland County, including the Richland Public Health Board, YMCA and Tower Lakes. He was a member of the Pleasant Hill Boat Club and enjoyed many social outings with friends.
He married his childhood friend, Joan Brickley, growing up together and creating a wonderful life together. Harland enjoyed biking, traveling, cross country skiing with his wife and they both remained active throughout their lives. Gardening, building and woodworking occupied many hours of his time. He attended First Congregational Church for many years. Harland was a family man, always putting his family first and dearly loved each one of them. He shared an especially close bond with his cousins all through life. Harland left a mark on this world through his family and community service and his legacy will be remembered forever.
Harland is survived by his wife, Joan Groves; three children, Brady Groves (Martha Bickley), Jennie Groves (Dan Hickey) and Connie Groves (Jonathan Witt); three grandchildren, Olivia, Sam and Clay Groves; many treasured cousins; and numerous beloved family members and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Fred Groves.
A Celebration of Life will be observed on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church, 640 Millsboro Road, Mansfield. Pastor Brad Bunn will lead the celebration. Memorial contributions may be payable to the Richland County Foundation for the First Congregational Church Endowment Fund or the Harland and Joan Groves Fund to maintain equipment at the YMCA.
Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Mansfield is honored to serve the family.
