Gordon Wayne Groves

Gordon Wayne Groves, 67, of Auxvasse, Mo., went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 28, 2014, after suffering a heart attack. Gordon was born on February 20, 1947, in Jefferson City, Mo., the son of the late Kenneth James and Delpha Elizabeth (Blackburn) Groves. He was united in marriage to Cheryl Boyd on June 4, 1966. Gordon was a devoted follower of Christ. His love for Jesus is evident by the many lives that he led to Christ. He loved capturing memories with his camera at the grandkids' events, family functions or just outside in the yard during sunrise or sunset. Gordon was blessed with the gift of hospitality. His motto was 'the more the merrier' and prepared many meals for family, friends and strangers. He made everyone feel welcome, loved and accepted. A true handyman, he could fix or build anything. All who knew Gordon, were blessed by his generous spirit. He loved helping others and would not hesitate when he saw someone in need; he freely shared his time, talents, and resources. As a decorated veteran of the U.S. Navy who served during the Vietnam War and on board the U.S.S. Forrestal, he had a profound love of his country and the military. He treasured his visits to the Veterans Home and attended many military events to pay tribute to those serving and those who have served. Gordon is survived by his wife, Cheryl; daughters, Julie (Matthew) Glaser of Jefferson City, Mo., Lisa (Jamie) Cox of Mexico, Mo., and Lorrie Groves of Hannibal, Mo.; grandchildren, Ella, Carson, Hudson and Harper Glaser, Callie and Tucker Cox and Parker Willing; his mother, Delpha Groves of Mexico, Mo.; sister, Wanda Garnett of Coffeyville, Kan.; brothers, Winston (Patti) Groves of South Bend, Ind.; Randy Groves (Tina) of Mexico, Mo.; two sister-in-laws, Beverly Heckman of Branson, Mo. and Lura Simcoe of Fulton, Mo.; brother-in-law, Eddie Boyd of Hallsville, Mo. and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Gordon was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Groves; two daughters, Carolyn Diane and Traci Dean Groves; and his brother, Larry Groves. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 2, 2014, at the First Baptist Church in Mexico, Mo. with Dr. Jeff Stott officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow the service in the Auxvasse Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at Arnold Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the Gordon Groves Memorial at Show-Me Credit Union, 550 S Muldrow St, Mexico, MO 65265. Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com.