Reverend Donald J. Groves, 91, of Fort Smith, passed away on Monday, September 11, 2023. He was born on November 1, 1931 in Oroville, CA. Don was a retired United Methodist minister, having served for numerous years, primarily in Oklahoma. His last pastorate was at Wyatt United Methodist Church in Fort Smith. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church.
Don is preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Gloria Groves; a brother, Melvin Groves; a sister, Barbara Allen and a brother-in-law, Clyde Allen. He is survived by two daughters, Tena Brown of Blanchard, OK and Tami Bales (William) of Stillwater, OK; two sons, Tim Groves of Shawnee, OK and Terry Groves (Arly) of Oklahoma City; a step-daughter, Laura McGehee (Ron) of Fort Smith and a step-son, C.J. Cerny (Debbie) of Boca Raton, FL; four grandchildren, Misty Groves of Dallas, TX, Kayley Groves of Oklahoma City, Emily Bales of Stillwater, OK and Jenifer Bales of Richmond, VA; five step-grandchildren, Hunter Blevins, Natalie Cole and Nicholas Martin, all of Fort Smith, Rachel Cumoford and Chris Cerny, both of Boca Raton, FL and a double cousin, Beverly Fischer of Rockwall, TX.
Visitation will be from 9:00 am to 10:00 am Thursday, September 14, 2023 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Funeral service will be at 10:00 am, immediately flowing the visitation. Interment will be at Forest Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, 2200 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72908.
To view the online guestbook, please go to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com
