Dale Leon Groves

GROVES Dale Leon Groves, 83, of Columbus, Bexley and Clearwater, Fl; died January 5, 2013 at Mease Hospital in Safety Harbor, Fl. Born to Kenneth and Eva Groves in Lancaster, Oh, he was a graduate of East H.S. in Columbus. He is survived by wife of 61 years, Glenna; and children, Kenneth, Ronald, Kevin, Candy, Cherrie and Michelle; 14 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brothers, Donald and Dwight. Preceded in death by sister Sharon. His biggest pride was his Wife and family. Dale served in the Air Force in the Korean War. He was well known at Gager-Kiem Ford, Hudson Motor Car, and Continental Office before retiring after 32 years as the top National salesman with for Lyon Metal Products. He owned the Dale Groves "Office Superstore" in Lancaster to 1999. Committed to kids, he was a founder of the Shady Woods Athletic fields. He founded the popular Columbus area big band, made up entirely of Teens in 1967, called "The Sounds of Tyme", which was once featured in the weekend Columbus Dispatch Magazine. A well known musician and band leader in Central Ohio, Dale played Trombone with the Dick Kelly Orchestra, and Stomp Gordon. He headlined a War Bond rally in 1946 with long time friend Tom Enright. He founded the hugely popular big band "The Fabulous Forties" with Bruno Masdea in 1970 and has awards as a nationally known big band historian. He worked with notables such as Les Brown and Bobby Riddell and was recognized by Bob Hope in his efforts with young people and music. In 1977, the band broke the all-time attendance record at the Valley Dale Ballroom. He is inducted in and a published member of the Central Ohio Senior Musicians Hall of Fame. Interment at Bay Pines National Cemetery, St Petersburg, Fl. Arrangements by Florida Direct Cremation and Burial Society. 3121 44th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, Fl. 33714, 727-525-9219.