Kenneth Ervin Grove

May 8, 1960 – January 31, 2018

Kenneth E. Grove, Jr., went home to the Lord January 31, 2018. He died unexpectedly of natural causes at his home in Columbus. He was 57 years old.

He loved his family dearly. His wife Lisa, with whom he would have celebrated 32 years of marriage this year, and his daughter Erika were most important in his life.

Ken lived life with enthusiasm and was a "bit of a character" with his family and friends. He loved family events, especially the outdoor parties on Gibbs Lane.

He enjoyed going with his wife on motorcycle rides, particularly to Buckeye Lake, hiking, skiing, and being near the water. He was creative, had a talent for drawing, and liked learning new things. He taught himself the steel drum, played the ukulele and guitar and practiced Taekwondo.

An avid sports fan, he rooted for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Columbus BlueJackets, and Cleveland professional teams (although he was a disenchanted Browns fan). He enjoyed hosting game-day parties complete with a large screen outdoors, music, bonfire, and props. He would campout overnight in long lines to get playoff tickets for his daughter and the two of them attended the Cleveland Cavaliers championship parade and the Blackhawks' Stanley Cup parade in Chicago. He enjoyed coaching Erika's sports team.

During high school, he kicked a 35-yard field goal during the Dover-New Philadelphia game—a record that stood for 34 years. He was also proud of the game-winning touchdown he scored for Dover against Claymont.

He found his peace in his faith in the Lord and attended Vineyard Church of Delaware County.

Ken worked for nearly 30 years for the City of Columbus.

He was the son of Kenneth E. Grove Sr. and the late Glenda L. Grove. In addition to his father, wife and daughter, he is survived by sisters Carol (Bob) Warner and Charlene (Brian) Hunt; stepmother Sue; stepbrothers Chris, Jason, and Josh; father-in-law Jim Markino; sisters-in-law Ann Marie (Mike) Davis, Cheryl Markino, and Carol Markino; brother-in-law Jim Markino; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held Thursday, February 8, 2018, at 6:30 pm at Vineyard Church of Delaware County (1001 W. Cherry Street, Sunbury, Ohio 43074).