Donald Edgar Groves 72, of Timberlands Farm, Richmond, passed away at his home at 2:30 PM Wednesday, January 28, after lingering illness. Don was born on August 18, 1936 in Unionport, Ohio, a son of the late Dean and Anna Albaugh Groves of Richmond, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Josephine Irvine-Groves, of home; his sister Shirley (Robert) Lee of Carrollton, Ohio; three step-children, Josie Irvine of Towson, Maryland, Mary Hewlett of Meadville, PA, and Shelly (Diane) Irvine of Wintersville, Ohio, three step-grandchildren, Wyatt, Erica, and Alexa. Don was a 1954 graduate of Jefferson Union High School, after which he was bitten by the bull-riding bug. He also took up the dry wall trade, being very proud of having introduced that trade to our area. The west called him. So he picked up his tools and went west, living the peripatetic life of bull-riding, rodeos, breaking horses for whoever needed such services, and doing drywall between eventing to help pay bills. For twenty years he worked as a cowboy on the Eagle Creek Ranch in Montana, brush popping cattle, branding, and working with a Doc White, veterinarian, learning the secrets of that trade. His bull-riding had him rubbing shoulders with the likes of Casey Tibbs and Jim Shoulders, earning him a slot in the Rodeo Cowboys of America Hall of Fame. In his later years, from 1999-2003, he was co-owner of Timberlands Horse and Carriage, providing elegant service to weddings, proms, retirements, and other fancy events. He broke and trained horses up until two years ago. Don's wishes were to be cremated. The memorial service will take place at Two Ridges Presbyterian Church on Thursday, February 5th at 11 AM with Pastor Bill Lawrence officiating. A luncheon in the church social hall will follow immediately thereafter. Internment will take place sometime in the spring at Richmond Union Cemetery at the family's discretion. Memorial contributions may be made to Charity Hospice, PO Box 2483, Wintersville, Ohio 43953. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Everhart-Bove Funeral Homes. View obituary and send condolences online at www.everhart-bovefuneralhomes.com

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