Charles D. "Chuck" Groves, 80, of Grand Island, Nebraska, formerly of Lexington, Nebraska, died Sunday, July 22nd, 2012, at the Grand Island Veteran's Home.

He was born March 27th, 1932, at Bartley, Nebraska, to Clyde C. and Alice G. (Karash) Groves. Chuck grew up in Arapahoe, Nebraska, where he graduated from high school with the class of 1949. He was passionate about the game of football as a player and spectator.  He was a star player for the Arapahoe High School and McCook Junior College teams.

Chuck served his country during the Korean Conflict from March 10th, 1952, until being honorably discharged from his obligation on March 3rd, 1955.  Upon his return he married the love of his life, Deloris Small on October 5th, 1956, in Brady, Nebraska.

Chuck and Deloris owned and operated the Riverside Trailer Park south of Lexington for many years.  He also worked for the City of Lexington with the electric and construction crews.
He loved being outdoors and enjoyed preserving and enhancing the natural surroundings.  When he wasn't working he enjoyed spending time with his friends and family playing pool, shuffleboard and horse shoes. His favorite pastime though was going to local dances with his wife, Dee.

When it came time to leave his beloved home place and move to the Veteran's Home he made the most of it by befriending and charming the nurses and staff at the home.

Survivors include his wife:  Deloris "Dee" Groves of Grand Island, Nebraska, daughters: Sonia (Ted) Eden of Grand Island, Rhonda (Steve) Fokken of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; five grandchildren: Dustin (Amanda) Whaley of Chandler, Arizona; Sarah (Tony) Foggia of New Hope, Minnesota; Samantha Whaley of Omaha, Nebraska; Michael (Gwen) Eden of Denver, Colorado and Austin Whaley of Sioux Falls. There is also two great-grandchildren on the way.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Services will be Friday, July 27th, 2012, at 3 p.m. at the Lexington Christian Church with Pastor Kyron C. BeDunnah officiating.

Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

Memorials are suggested to the Overland Trails Boy Scout Council of America.

Inurnment will be held at a later date.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please forward online condolences to the family through:  reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.