Arthur L. Grove

Arthur L. Grove, age 72, completed his earthly journey and entered his eternal heavenly home about 8:05 P.M., November 29, 2011 in Hospice House, South Bend.

He was born July 20, 1939 in Bremen, Indiana, the third son of Theodore H. Grove and Myrtle A. (Reuter) Grove. His birth home and his retirement home were only a half block apart in Bremen. On August 16, 1959 he wed his college sweetheart, Martha Ellen (McIntosh) in southern Indiana at the Syria Christian Church. Their life of Christian ministry led them to many places in Indiana, Arkansas, Virginia and Michigan. Along the way they were blessed with 2 sons and l daughter.

The great loves of his life were his family and his Christian service. When the 50th year of their marriage came into sight he didn't care for a big celebration. He just wanted to spend time together with his family that was scattered over the nation. They camped at Springfield's Lincoln State Park and explored the Illinois land of Lincoln. This year they were together in Arkansas at Jim's newly renovated home for their 52nd anniversary. He will be greatly missed by all.

He is survived by his wife of over 52 years, Martha E. Grove of Bremen; 2 sons, James A. (Cindy) Grove of Stuttgart, Arkansas, David M. (Vicki) Grove of Littleton, Colorado; 1 daughter, Deborah S. Grove of Columbus, Ohio; 1 brother, Bill G. (Patricia) Grove of Sheridan, Arkansas; 1 sister, Carol M. (Phil) Miller of Valparaiso, Indiana; l step-granddaughter, Jocelyn Hodovance of Littleton, Colorado; several nephews and nieces and their families.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Theodore H. Grove and Myrtle A. Grove Crouch and his step-father Dennis Crouch; 1 brother, Kenneth E.Grove, 2 sisters-in-laws, Ruth Ann Grove and Betty Grove, and 1 infant nephew.

In l957 he graduated from Bremen High School and continued his education at Cincinnati Bible Seminary (now Cincinnati Christian University). In 1961 he graduated with his B.A.in Bible degree and moved to southern Indiana for his first ministry. Later on he completed studies at Indiana University at South Bend for teacher certification and in 1990 he received his Masters Degree in Library Science from Indiana University Bloomington.

He spent over thirty years as senior minister in local churches. While living in Michigan, he pioneered the Wilderness Canoe trips at Rock Lake Christian Assembly. He greatly enjoyed the eleven years that he served as Librarian at Great Lakes Christian College (Lansing, MI).

Arthur has been involved with the Boy Scouts of America for over 60 years. He began as a Cub Scout and was active throughout his youth and adult years at all levels of scouting. As a teen he attained the rank of Eagle and went on to receive the Silver Award which is the highest award of Explorer scouting. He was active in Order of the Arrow and Woodbadge. He worked for seven years as the Professional Executive in the Wapaha District of Hendricks County and the Northeast District in Indianapolis which at the time was the largest district in the state of Indiana. He served in leadership at all levels from Cub Scout den leaders through Scout Master, Commissioner, and a trainer of other leaders. Most recently, he served as Assistant Director for the Owasippe (Chicago) Scout Reservation.

Philately has been another of his life long pursuits. He began a stamp collection as a boy and has continued his entire life. He was a member of the NIPS (Northern Indiana Philatelic Society) and the Nappanee Stamp Club. In later years, he has been involved with TWO (Turkish World Outreach mission). By receiving, sorting, cataloging and selling stamps, he raised support for the printing of Bibles in the Turkish language for people who would not receive the Gospel from other sources.

Family genealogy was another activity that Art really enjoyed and has found many items of interest in his searches and documentations.

The local church has always been an important part of Art's life. He was a "Timothy" of the River Park Church of Christ, South Bend, and served as an elder at the Milburn Boulevard Church of Christ, Mishawaka. When the Deer Run Church of Christ congregation was formed, he and Martha were charter members, and later were charter members of the St. Joseph Valley Church of Christ. Recently they became an active part of the Milford Christian Church in Milford, Indiana.

Friends may call Friday evening, December 2, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Mishler Funeral Home, 2030 St. Rd. 331 in Bremen. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, December 3 at the Milford Christian Church, 201 N. Henry Street in Milford, at 11:00 am with calling one hour prior. Pastor Stephen Leininger will be officiating. Burial will take place at the Bremen Cemetery on a later date.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers that memorials be given to the Milford Christian Church or Cincinnati Christian University, class of 1961 Fund for the renovation of Rine Hall Girls Dorm. Phyllis Rine was a class member of Art's, and suffered martyrdom while serving as a Christian missionary in the Congo.

Many thanks to those at Hospice House who have lovingly served to make Art's last earthly days so peaceful.

Mishler Funeral Home and Indiana University Medical Center Anatomical Education Program have assisted the family with arrangements.