Charles H. Groves

     Charles H Groves was born 12/28/1922 to Rollie Reed Groves and Edith Marjene Blaine Groves. He passed from this life peacefully on April 23, 2022. He spent most of that beautiful day outside, enjoying the warmth of sunshine, surrounded by the love and laughter of his family, serenaded by a symphony of the song birds that inhabit the Kobacker House woods.
     Charlie graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1940. By 1943 he had enlisted in the US Army, alongside nearly 7 million others that year, willing to fight for their country in WWII. He served in the 71st Infantry Division, marching across Europe from Normandy to Austria. His Division participated in the liberation of Gunskirchen concentration camp in Austria.
     After his discharge from the Army on 3/20/1946, he enrolled in the College of Engineering at the Ohio State University. Upon graduation, he accepted a job as a PE/Civil Engineer for ODOT. During his 43 year tenure, where he served 20 years as the Bureau Chief of the Office of Technical Services, he executed his vision and took responsibility for securing FHWA grants to purchase and implement CAD into every ODOT District office.
     Even more importantly during his time at ODOT, he met the love of his life, working under the same roof. On August 18, 1952, he married his beautiful wife, Constance Lou Tisko. After a brief stint in Grandview, they purchased the first of their three Beechwold area homes and started their family.
     In addition to his cherished wife, Connie, he is survived by their children: Randy Groves, Valerie (Bob) Campbell, Terree Bartlett, Jamie Bateson, Amy (Tom) Janas, Lyn DeAnn Groves, and Jennifer Groves. His beloved grandchildren include Grace (Pat) Libby, Elijah Campbell, Shyan Bateson, Emily Bartlett, Noah Campbell, Crystal (Brian Boland) Janas, Rayne (Dan Miner) Bateson, Morgan Campbell, Stephen (Brian Overberger) Janas, Dylan (Ellen Snyder) Campbell, Ben (Brenna Stockwell) Janas, and Skylar Groves. And his great grandchildren: Kenzo Matisse, Landen, Deagan, Etzel, Lilith, Alaina, Aggie and Harriet.
    He is preceded in death by his siblings Ruth, Mildred, Mary, Betty, Richard, Henry and Jim. And survived by his precious sisters Doris and Nancy, brother Bobby and sister in law, Lucy Groves, and many, many nieces and nephews.
     An OSU graduate and proud Buckeye, Charlie attended every home football game for more than 60 years. Many away games too! At halftime, yes halftime, on October 13, 1956, he ran from the game to Connie at the OSU Maternity Ward, to welcome their 3rd bouncing baby, Terree Ann, into the world.
     Charlie was smart and kind, selfless and generous. He loved, and lived for his family. He was always the holiday chef, the master family pie baker, the over-the-top giver of gifts on Christmas, and was the primary year round buyer of clothes for his six girls and only son.
    He leaves a big space in our daily lives. His mischievous twinkle, his loving heart, unwavering faith and quiet ways will be missed. We’ll do our best to carry on these parts of him that he’s planted, and we’ve cultivated, in our own hearts.
     The family will hold a private service, for family only, on Friday, April 29, 2022, at Ware Funeral Home, Chillicothe, OH. Visitation from 1:00-2:00 pm, immediately followed by a family service and burial at Grandview Cemetery. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family at www.warefh.com

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