Grover William "Bill" Grossarth

Grover William “Bill” Grossarth was born in Quincy, KS, on November 3rd, 1930, the son of Grover Cleveland and Edith Marie (Sharp) Grossarth. He joined a family of four sisters, Etha, Mamie, Naomi, and Vivian. The family lived in Denison, KS, and Bill graduated from High School in Denison. Upon graduating, Bill enlisted into the United States Air Force, and left from Kansas City, MO, on July 26th, 1950, following the outbreak of the Korean War. He was stationed at Carswell, AFB in Ft. Worth, TX, and always quipped he “flew a Typewriter” in the military, serving as a Senior Clerk and Diesel Mechanic serving in Casablanca, North Africa. He met and fell in love with Betty Jo Prichard, and soon he flew home in his uniform to claim his bride. They married and soon there were two children, Grover Kent and Malinda “Mendy” Lea Grossarth. Following his honorable discharge from 4 years in the USAF, Bill went to work for Sterwin Chemicals, and traveled extensively through Central and South America. He wanted to be home for his children, so he went to work as a foreman for the railroad, and remained there for the rest of his working career. Once retired from there, He went to work for Greenleaf Nursery and Elk Creek Ranch. He adored being outdoors, and would set outside and watch various people, and enjoyed a day spent out at the lake, boating and enjoying life. He loved playing card games, Pitch and Pinochle, dancing, music, and attending the Walnut Valley Bluegrass Music Festival anytime he could. Betty often accompanied Bill on his business ventures, and often worked in the garden together he always raised a large garden and anyone was welcome to the bounty. He made the absolute, hands down, best caramel corn, and he enjoyed seeing you smile when he gifted this delectable gift to you. His family is where he drew his strength, and what put the wonderful smile upon his face. He adored his children, was Grandpa Bill to his grandchildren and Big Grandpa to his great grandchildren. Bill served the Lord his Savior all the days of his life, and he called Calvary Indian Baptist Church home. Every time there was church , he rose early to go open the doors and start the coffee, drive the church bus, delivered lunches to those who were shut in, especially those who were elderly, sick, the men’s and women’s shelter of Tahlequah, and drove people to their doctors appointment In spite of all many blessings, his beloved Betty passed from this life, on December 29, 1999. Bill picked up the pieces and continued his close bond with his family, and still made sure that every person that joined the church was given a Bible, hand lettered with the date they began their journey with God. He met and married Annabelle Turben in 2003 and together, they enjoyed life and made a lot of memories until Annabelle’s passing in 2011. He was a man that enjoyed the simple things in life and could find a reason to smile when no reason existed. His families love sustained Bill until the Lord called this good and faithful servant home from his many labors and journeys on Saturday, May 10th, 2025 in his home, surrounded by the family he loved so much. Bill was 94 years old and will be remembered for all the love he showed to every single person he met.

Bill is preceded in death by his grandparents, his mother and father, his four sisters, Etha Grossarth, Mamie McJunkin, Naomi “Peachie” Rayl, and Vivian Pendlay, both of his wives, Betty Jo Grossarth and Annabelle Grossarth and one great granddaughter, Adeline Rain.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Grover Kent Grossarth and wife Deanna of Tahlequah and Malinda “Mendy” Lea Fuhr of Duncanville, TX. Bill lives on in his eight grandchildren, Margaret Jody Payton of Tahlequah, Erikka Rene Fuhr of Duncanville, TX, Taylor Paige O’Laughlin of Tahlequah, Madelyn Nichole O’Laughlin of Norman, OK, Kyle Hutchinson and wife Bailee of McAlester, OK, Michael Shawn Fuhr of Roanoke, TX, Cody Jason Malchose of Wamego, KS, and Sarah Hutchinson of Claremore, OK. He also leaves nine great grandchildren, Ashlynn Grace Payton, Charlie Bumgarner, Raelynn Hutchinson, Hailee Hutchinson, Zain Hutchinson, Jack Hutchinson, Nicholas Bowley, Claire Fuhr, and Anora Malchose, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and loved ones far too many to mention.

Funeral Services for Grover William “Bill” Grossarth will be conducted on Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 at 12:30 PM at Reed-Culver Chapel with Pastor LB Wildcat of Indian Calvary Baptist Church of Tahlequah officiating. There will be a visitation for Bill on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Reed-Culver. He will be laid to rest at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery with Military Honors. Pallbearers for Bill include Kyle Hutchinson, Michael Fuhr, Andrew Coke, Cody Malchose, Thomas Rowland, and Dale Rowland.

“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7