Tom knew his craft in art and teaching. I had him the first year he came to Elkhart Central. That was probably '76, '77. 

The takeaway with Tom was that one can be highly disciplined, pragmatic, deal out profound critique, but do so while being warm and supportive of your students! He was genuinely interested in the success of his students. I remember him going so far as to organizing events that allowed students to show, display, demonstrate their work.

I walked out of class motivated to do more and better art. Eventually I went on to make it through one of the toughest industrial design programs in the country and had an awsome career as a design consultant/inventor/industrial sculptor. Tom has had an enormous impact on the community and I'm grateful to have been associated with him. 

Tom hired me in as a Photography/Visual Communications and Intro to Art  teacher 3 days before the semester began in 2004.  I was a single mom and had just been through a divorce.  I needed employment to get out of the Indianapolis Public Schools (which were killing me emotionally).  Perhaps he was just as desperate to hire, as I had NEVER had a photography class-barely even took photos... ever... I had only ever had one Photoshop class, and knew very little about Visual Communications.  Thank Goodness I had Intro to art in college!   
But he believed in me, took me under his wing, and gave me 1st hour prep, so I could come in and watch him teach photography, take notes, then repeat the same lesson to my students.   I studied VC on my own at home, and while the kids were working... coming up with a curriculum sometimes hours before class started.
He supported me as my department chair, and 'friend' through a lot of crazy times - divorce, pregnancy, marriage (yes to only one man, Tom).  He was always there to listen, laugh and advise when I felt lost with a student.  He supported me with my affinity for the "black shirt crowd" as he liked to call them, and through all my bully prevention efforts... though often chuckling at my crazy ideas, still never telling me not to.  
He was a great boss, and though incredibly private, a good friend, listener and support.
So glad to know you Tom!

Mr. Grove (Grover) was a light acceptance, understanding and creativity that was infectious to all in his classes. After 25 years since last seeing Mr. Grove,   I was drive to run to get something at the store today and of recently getting back into photography ... I thought I would call the school to see where he was.  The secretary at ECHS said he had passed and I was so sad.  I so wish to tell him how much about being creative and how photography has changed ... Hay Grover how do you like Lightroom ... ha ha!  Lots of Love  in this man!   Thank you Charlie C

I met Tom in the early 70's, and was thinking about quitting school at the time, as I didn't need it anymore....he convinced me I wasn't as smart as I thought because he asked me to spell "county" and "country", and at 8 yrs old....I could NOT...so I think I stayed in school a few more years....thanks to Tom.

Rest in Peace
Richie Zoeller

I remember getting an indian mini bike from him when I was a kid. I had so much fun with that thing. I'll never forget that. I think he built it himself from a kit. I'm so sorry for your loss. He will be remembered in our prayers.

Tom and I dated in college, and he has always had a special place in my heart. I have wonderful memories of our time together, whether it be visiting one another at Ball State and IU, delving in creative photography projects, singing along to favorite songs on the radio, or enjoying a sunny day on a raft at Deams's Lake. We reconnected at one reunion, and promised to visit one another, but, unfortunately, geographically, it was difficult. I will truly miss him...

My daughter had Mr. Grove as one of her Art teachers at ECHS and she enjoyed his classes.  He was instrumental in entering one of her paintings in the Scholastic Art and Writing awards program and it went on to receive a National Scholastic award.  Sara and I are grateful for him doing that!  I was shocked and saddened to learn of his death and my sympathy is with his family.

My first photography teacher - 1985. We learned so much about design while doing photography. He was part of why I became a designer.

Words can't express how grateful I am for Mr. Grove and his classes. He was without question the kindest, most understanding teacher I had at ECHS. He helped me through an incredibly difficult time in my life and was one of the only people who genuinely listened to me and valued me as a person. He showed me how to express myself not through words or actions but instead through the medium he loved the most and that dark room became my therapy. My love of art and photography has shaped my career choices and I am thankful I was able to be his student. My life would not have been the same without him. Rest in peace.

Mr. Grove was one of the most caring and genuine human beings I've met throughout my years in high school. He looked past students' history and family life with his only mission to help students succeed. Throughout my years at Elkhart Central, he was the kindest teacher and genuinely cared about helping his students, even if they were struggling with problems that were not school related when many other teachers failed to do so. Beautiful soul and great man. 

Tim,
I did not know your brother but if he was anything like you I'm sure he was a great person. I am working out of town and will not be able to make the services but please accept our prayers and condolences to you and your family. God Bless my friend.

I taught art at ECHS for nine years with Tom. It was early in both our careers (1977-1986). Since Tom's untimely death, I have had a flood of great memories:
1. Tom, Rod Liechty, and I were told to imagine the art department of our dreams for a staff activity. We put a helicopter port on top of the department to fly in great artworks and artists for our students. I remember Tom actively dreaming and laughing in that discussion.
2. I visited Tom in Ft Wayne one summer when he was working at a commercial art business. We had a fun visit and he was excited about what he was doing there and could bring back to the students in the fall.
3. I remember many lunches in our office where Tom's dry humor came out in conversations, and we laughed our way through lunch.
4. Tom showed me a book of work by Frank Gehry and kept talking about how this guy was going to be great someday. Gehry is now one of America's great architects.
5. When I left Elkhart, Tom gave me one of his drawings which I still have. He was a terrific artist.
6. Above all, I remember Tom's directions and kindness to his students which enabled them to create great work. 

He was a wonderful colleague and friend during my years in Elkhart. Count me among the many who are so saddened by Tom's death.

Tom was a fellow fraternity brother, and educator.  Many testimonials tell of how he enriched peoples lives.  I remember his humor, but also his serious commitment to what he did.  Memories remain as pictures in my mind of days gone by at BSU.  He was a great guy, who I will miss deeply!

Tom loved the arts, to teach, a good person. I think he might agree with the following...
https://nene-lifewhispers.blogspot.com/2017/02/will-i-remember-this.html

Many fond memories of our days together at Ball State and all the trips we took together commuting together from New Albany to Muncie. I always enjoyed his sweet quiet manner and his sense of humor....Greg Carter. Laconia Indiana

Grover was among my first college friends at BSU in 1972. He was one of the funniest and sincere souls that I've ever met. He was an accomplished artist, too. So sad that he was taken from us so soon.

Tom "Grover" Grove was one of my most favorite people on the planet.  A friend, fraternity brother and member of my wedding party...nobody was more genuine and giving as he was.  Not just words, this is the truth.  Heaven gained a wonderful soul and he will be missed.

I didn't know Tom real well. I always admired his personality. A great man to be around. He will be missed.

So sad to hear of Tom's death.  He was a teacher of mine and also a friend.  I will miss seeing him around the Granger area.  Rest in Heaven Tom!

Mr.grove was such a wonderful teacher. Im sad to here that he passed.  May he rest in peace.

Mr. Grove was one of the best teachers I ever had. Knowledgeable, funny, and kind. Truly cared about his students. I took photography classes with him and loved it. He will be missed by all.

Tom was a dear friend- I will miss his beautiful smile. My deepest condolences to all of his family.

I was so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Tom hired me at central and was a great mentor as I learned the ropes of this job.  Thank you Tom for your years of service and your kind heart. You will be missed.

I am so very sorry to learn of Tom's untimely death.  My deepest condolences to you, Trudy, and the rest of the family. I remember Tom with great fondness. He was one of the brightest and most talented men I've ever known.  Even though it's been many years, I can still see him with that infectious smile. Reading through the entries in the guestbook, it's evident that Tom had a positive impact on many lives. He certainly did on mine. I know he will be greatly missed by many.

One of the best things about being a bartender at night for ten years is the friendships that I made with regular customers. 

Tom was quiet and funny. I would see him walking towards my bar and have his favorite dead no waiting by the time he sat down. He would always make little doodles on our napkins and leave them for us to find. If we had jerks at the bar, Tom would set them straight about respecting us and our craft. 

The world is a little bit darker. Tom was a true light to everyone that knew him. Rest well, friend.

Mr. Grove was my high school photography teacher and inspiration to explore the arts. I took a class with him almost every trimester along with being an independent study student where I could use whatever medium that was out there to express myself. Because of Mr. Grove I now have a great career as a Graphic Designer. His presence will be greatly missed and i give my condolences to his family for their loss. Thanks for everything Mr. Grove! Rest In Power.

Mr. Grove's class was one of my favorite classes in high school. He had a lot of faith that his students would make the right choices.

Tom was a very kind person.  The students really loved him and were very saddened to hear of his passing.  He lived near my home and would run by my home often.  I will miss not seeing him.  My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family.  God bless him!

I had the pleasure of working with Tom at Elkhart Central. His passion for art and photography inspired many students.
  Thoughts and prayers for the family during this difficult time.

To The Grove Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Tom.  May the many wonderful of Tom comfort you during this difficult time.  Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Keith Bube

Mr. Grove was an inspiration to many including me. It was in his classes that my love for photography grew in the mid 90's. His passing is a big loss for the community, but his memory will live on in all of the lives that he touched. If I could have one more conversation with him I would thank him for the inspiration, guidance, the passing of his skills as well ashis humor and witty philosophy.  I will continue to use what I learned from him, forever, and remember some of the fun stuff too such as listening to Jimmy Buffet in the classroom or monitoring a sugar glazed doughnut go unchanged as it was pinned to the wall of the classroom for semesters :)   He was open to some of that fun stuff in the classroom as much as he was tough and positively critical of ones artwork.  He very much wanted students to learn the correct processes of photography.  He undoubtedly touched thousands of lives in his lifetime and will be missed.

Mr. Grove was a wonderful teacher when I had him as a teacher in the mid 1990's. He inspired and helped push me into attending Ball State Univeristy to achieve my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. I am very thankful for his help. Very sorry to hear of your family's loss and my family and I give you our condolences.

Mr. Grove was one of the best experiences I had while I was at Central. He helped me look into colleges like the Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, Ca. He gave me confidence in myself and I felt very happy every time I was around him. A true gentleman and a caring man. It's very sad he's gone at such a young age.

Praying for him now!

True friends are the ones who never leave your heart, even if they leave your life for a while. Even after years apart, you pick up with them right where you left off, and even if they die they're never dead in your heart.

Rest In Peace Tom

Thank you for touching so many lives in such a wonderful, fulfilling way.

Tom was a frequent visitor to The Bookworm in Elkhart.  He always had a smile and smirk and just enough chit chat to brighten my day while I was working. I am so sorry to hear this.  Bless his family and loved ones.

Mr. Grove was my art teacher at ECHS in the 80's. It was in his classes my love of photography grew. He was a great teacher-one of my favorite.  I lost touch with Mr. Grove after high school but always wondered where his path in life took him. I am so sorry and saddened to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

RIP Mr. Grove - he sponsored our Photography Club at Central and took a bunch of us to NYC when I was 16 in 1883. Thanks to him I got to experience Broadway, Museums, Statue of Liberty and memories I will never forget. Between him and Cynthia Marks I learn to appreciate and encourage my creativity.  He was amazing !!!!!

Tom was a friend to the animals in Elkhart County. He generously created artwork for the rowing regattas at no cost to the Humane Society. This artwork helped to generate over $5000 in sales of sweatshirts, T-shirts and hats, with all of the proceeds benefiting  the animal shelter.  Tom's gentle and generous spirit will be missed.

Mr Grove was an amazing man. He took a special interest in his students making them feel important, valued and talented. I will miss the conversations we shared across the counter at work, where he would often come to ship care packages to past students. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. I'm sorry we are unable to attend his viewing.

Mr. Grove was an amazing teacher and an amazing artist. I am so sad to hear of his passing. He was a very kind and good hearted person. Prayers to the family!

Mr. Grove (Tom), was a teacher of mine at Elkhart Central in the early 80's. Due to the fact that my current position is that of an art director, one might deduce that Mr. Grove (Tom) had a hand in this, and I would say you would be right. Mr. Grove (Tom) was a fantastic teacher and  an unwitting mentor to me. He instilled in me a love for creativity and an ability to see things not always as they appear. After college I moved back to Elkhart and and started a family. I would run into Mr. Grove (Tom) from time to time, we would exchange a few pleasantries and go our seperate ways, but it would always leave me with smile and calm feeling. As the years rolled along I would still run into Mr. Grove (Tom), and I would still refer to him as Mr. Grove. After he made many attempts for me to simply call him Tom, I did. Out of respect he was always Mr. Grove, but I realized he was just reaching out as a friend and friends greet eachother by first name. So Tom, I will miss you and thank you for being my alltime favorite teacher. My 50 plus years have been filled with an appreciation for art and design and I feel you played an integral part in this. God bless.

So sorry to lose a wonderful person.  My children all had Tom at Central and  had a lot of respect for him.  He will be missed!

OBITUARIO

Thomas J. Grove

15 noviembre, 1953 – 5 febrero, 2017

Kraft Funeral Service & Kraft-Graceland Memorial Park

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