John Richard Grove

John Richard Grove, 91, of Springfield, passed away at 11:23 a.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at Memorial Medical Center. John was born September 3, 1925 in Decatur, the son of Kenneth and Pauline Plummer Grove. He married Donna E. Davey on May 1, 1949 at the First United Methodist Church in Decatur. John proudly served in the United States Army Air Force from 1943 to 1946 as a Navigator. He worked at his family's restaurant, Grove Restaurant, until 1965. John retired as a Computer Programmer from the State of Illinois. He was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Springfield, where he served on several committees and was the Financial Secretary for over 20 years. He enjoyed dancing, playing cards, Wii Bowling, and traveling with Donna all over the Midwest and the world. John was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Carolyn Whitney; sister, Mary Herrin; and grandson, Justin Whitney. He is survived by his wife, Donna Grove of Springfield; son, Tom (Marsha) Grove of Champaign; three grandchildren, Jeremy Whitney, Warren (Amy) Grove, and Adrienne Grove; great-grandson, Wyatt Grove; and son-in-law, Bruce (Debbie) Whitney. Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 30, 2017 at Concordia Village, 4101 West Isles Avenue, Springfield, with Pastor Dan Dexter officiating. Burial will take place at Graceland Cemetery in Decatur. Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational United Church of Christ, 2100 South Bates Ave., Springfield, Illinois 62704.