Clarence L. Groves

Clarence L. Groves, age 90, of Flagler Beach, FL passed peacefully at home on Sunday evening July 9, 2022. Born November 7, 1931, in Cynthiana, KY, he was the son of Clarence A. and O. Frances (Bryant) Groves. His mother died when he was two and the family struggled to get by as tenant farmers through the Great Depression. He graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1949 and left to serve in the Korean War shortly thereafter. Soon after his return from the army, Clarence married Marjorie C. Bloomfield, and the responsibilities of the steadily growing family that followed provided powerful motivation to succeed. In 1969, Clarence founded Pennant Moldings Inc., a metals manufacturing business serving the appliance industry, at a small facility on Rose Avenue in Sabina, Ohio. Through hard work and perseverance, he cultivated the growth of the company, building a resilient customer base, while wife Marjorie kept the office in good running order and brother Charles excelled in supervising factory operations. In the mid-80s, Clarence moved the expanding business to larger premises on US Route 22 where it continues to prosper to this day, long after he opted for retirement in the early 90s. Throughout his life Clarence Groves was a force of nature, tackling every challenge with commitment, enthusiasm and integrity. Generally driven by an internal sense of urgency, he could be demanding and patience was not his primary strength, but he always had time for people in need. Like many from his generation, faith in God kept him rooted as a person and humble beginnings made him ever conscious of the value of a dollar and the virtue of a hard day’s work. He was a giver, not a taker; never one to shirk responsibility. The knowledge that he did his best in a given endeavor was more important to him than recognition from others. To the end he maintained a keen sense of humor: often self-deprecating, typically dry, and capable of withering sarcasm directed toward objects of disdain, such as the government and, not infrequently, the IRS. Clarence received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Cincinnati while working full-time and raising a family. He was a Korean War veteran, self-made businessman, part-time farmer, private pilot, bicycle repairman, former member of the Port William Lions Club, and political activist once retired to Florida. But family was truly his most valued accomplishment, as he was foremost a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is preceded in death by his brother, Charles K. Groves, and a grandson, Brian J. Halye. Family remaining to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 67 years, Marjorie, daughters Cindy (James) Halye, Teresa (John) Cumberledge, Sherry (Shawn) Mohler, Jennifer Groves and sons Keith (April) Groves and Brad Groves, 14 precious grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be on Sunday July 17, 2022 at the Littleton Funeral Home, Sabina from 2:00 until 5:00 P.M. His funeral service will be on Monday July 18 at 11:00 A.M. also at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Miller Cemetery, Port William. In lieu of flowers, or for those wishing to make a memorial contribution, please consider donating to the Sabina Municipal Pool C/O Village of Sabina 99 N. Howard St. or The Cove Food Outreach c/o Sabina Church of Christ 185 S. College St. Sabina OH

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Clarence L. Groves, please visit our floral store.