Gerald Gene ‘Jerry’ Grove, age 84 of Olney, passed away from a broken heart six weeks after his wife, on Friday March 30, 2018 at Carle Richland Memorial Hospital. Funeral service in the chapel of Thrasher Family Funeral Home with burial at Haven Hill Memorial Gardens in Olney. Pastor Paul Goss and the Richland County Veteran’s Association officiating.

Jerry was born on March 22, 1934 in Richland County, the son of Ervin and Eva (Musgrove) Grove. He later married the love of his life Patricia J. ‘Pat’ Harmon on August 23, 1953 in Olney. She preceded him in death on February 14, 2018.

He was a radio operator for the United States Army and was stationed in Japan. He loved the Lord with all of his heart and was a member of First Assembly of God in Olney for many years. He volunteered at the Good Samaritan in Olney with his wife and church family. He worked at the A&P Grocery Store and also worked as the Richland County Circuit Clerk for 20 years. He was instrumental in the 1960s helping to start the Junior Pro Football program in Olney. He was a helping hand in the foundation of Olney Christian Fellowship and donated the land to the church for their building. He enjoyed listening to country/western music. He was a farmer for many years and enjoyed raising cattle. He raised and trained dogs for hunting rabbits and birds. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. He will be sadly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Jerry is survived by his daughter, Jody Grove-Thrasher of Olney; 2 sons, Jeff Grove (Amber) of Olney and Josh Grove (Megan) of Olney; brother, Kenny Grove (Sue) of Claremont; brother-in-law, Harold Roth of Ida, Michigan; sister-in-law, Barb Harmon of Olney; 8 grandchildren, Brandis Grove (Tiffany), Christina Damm (Matt), Julia Miller (Curtis), Chase Thrasher (Natasha), Payton Young, Parker, Patton and Piper Mann; 7 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years Pat Grove, his parents Ervin and Eva Grove, brother Wilby Grove, 4 sisters Thelma Hubble, Dorothy Brissenden, Verna M. Schwartz and Helen Paddick, infant daughter Julia Ann Grove, and son-in-law Don Thrasher.

Olney Daily Mail (IL) obituary & photo – April 3, 2018