Charles T. Groves

Charles “Charlie”, 71, of DeSoto passed away Thursday, May 16, 2024.  He was born to Gale and Clarice (Marks) Groves on September 16, 1952.  Charles married Deborah Bohland on July 11, 1998.

Charlie graduated from DeSoto High School in 1970.  He then went into the Navy as soon as he was old enough, they would take him September of 1970.  During part of his time in his service of six years, he was on the USS Oriskany off the shore of Vietnam.  After being discharged in 1976, he worked for his father and brother in the Groves Service Station and drove bus until 1981.  Between 1981 and 2013 he put on over four million miles as an over the road semi driver.  In 2013 he began working for Southwest Bus out of Prairie du Chien.  He managed the buses until 2021 and continued to drive until the fall of 2023.

Wherever Charles was, he made lifelong close friends.  He was a leader, a helper, a wise man with compassion and love.  Charles loved his family more than anyone could measure.  It’s apparent that all who were considered his family loved him in return.

A gentle man of God, he would always give more than what was expected.  His love of God showed in the light he carried.  This light was shared by all who knew this special man.

Charles and Debbie knew the love that they had was a gift from above.  You may ask what his interests/hobbies were.  Well, those that knew him best would say that it was to make Debbie happy!  And he did!

We will miss his humor, his wisdom, his patience, his peace, and witness.  Charles is survived by his wife Deborah and their two sons, Matthew (Nicole) Johnson and Brent (Casey) Johnson; his most perfectly loved grandchildren Oscar, Olivia, June, and Haisley.  They filled his heart with pride and joy.

Charles is further survived by brothers Steve (Sharon) and Ron (Carolyn); sister Connie Opsal (Tom); and many nieces and nephews.  Charles is also survived by the family he brought into his life, brothers-in-law:  Richard, Raymond, Leslie Allan, and Daniel; sister-in-law Cora (Paul) Gianoli and their daughters Bailey, Rachel, and Jenna who were his adopted granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gale and Clarice Groves.

Family will be hosting a Celebration of Life on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at 12 p.m. at New Hope Methodist Church with pastor Andrew Filkins officiating.  A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of service.  Burial will take place in the Walnut mound Cemetery with military honors.

Roth Family Cremation Center and Funeral Services is assisting the family.

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