Donald Ray Groves, 89, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away on Dec. 30, 2022, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.
Donald was born on Nov. 28, 1933, to the late William Forest and Pearl Elnora (Smith) Groves in Sumter, South Carolina. He married Lee Switzer Redwine on July 23, 1981, she survives.
Donald had a long career at Toellner Baking Company (BAMBY Bakery) that included time as a baker and a route driver, followed by many years in management roles. He then spent two decades as a maintenance foreman for the Poplar Bluff Housing Authority, retiring in 1996. In 1997, he began several years of employment at the Northside Nutrition Center. Donald was a member of Westwood Baptist Church. He loved singing and sang with several gospel quartets over the last 50 years. He also directed the Senior Saints Choir for many years. Donald was known for storytelling and artistic creativity which included painting, drawing, building, and woodworking.
Donald is survived by his wife; daughters, Diana (Craig) Shull, Debbie (Mark) Dunn; stepdaughters, Debbie (Paul) Davis and Tammy (Jonathan) Lloyd; stepson, Roger Redwine; 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Lillian Groves; brothers, Walter Groves, Eugene Groves, Robert Groves, and Bill Groves; and stepson Doug Redwine.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, from 1-2 p.m. at Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home, 844 Cedar St. in Poplar Bluff.
Funeral services will immediately follow at 2 p.m. with Rev. Mark Dunn officiating. Burial will take place at Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.