George Noah Groves

George Noah Groves, 90, of Fulton, died Saturday, July 23, 2011, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mexico, Missouri. He was born June 10, 1921, in Hammond, Indiana, the son of Noah D. and Helen (Miller) Groves. On April 28, 1946, he was united in marriage to Jeanette Whistler who preceeded him in death in 2008. George attended Marquette University, Milwaukee,Wisconsin on a football scholarship where his studies in electrical engineering were interrupted by his service as an officer in the Army Air Corps during WWII. Upon his return from service, he was offered a contract to play professional football for George Hallis of the Chicago Bears, however, the sign-on bonus offered by the Cleveland Browns was more attractive. George also played for the Baltimore Colts and the Buffalo Bills. George was one of the last remaining charter members of the 1946 world champion Cleveland Browns. George returned to Rossville, Illinois where he owned an electrical contracting business for 30 years. He was a pilot and loved flying, hunting and fishing with his two sons, Michael Groves (wife Susan) of Fulton, and Phillip Groves (wife Cathy) of Shady Shores, Texas. George held a very special love and dedication to his two daughters, Cynthia Groves Bookwalter (husband Tom) of Perrysville, Indiana and Nancy Groves Brier (husband Pat, deceased) of Kaplan, Louisiana. "Daddy George", as he was affectionately called, will be sadly missed by his 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. One of the greatest gifts Mr. Groves gave his children was his love and devotion to their Mom. George will be cremated. No services are scheduled at this time. Condolences can be sent by visiting www.debofuneralhome.com.