David Austin Groft

David Austin Groft, 65, entered into God's eternal care at 7:24 p.m. Friday, December 2, 2005, at Hanover Hospital. He was the husband of Joyce Bixler Groft to whom he was married over 39 years. Born in Hanover, on September 14, 1940, he was the son of Louise I. (Sheaffer) Shearer of Dover. Mr. Groft graduated from Eichelberger High School with the class of 1958. He then attended Temple University School of Pharmacy where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1962. Upon his return to Hanover, he began a career as a Pharmacist and at the time of his death was serving as the Pharmacy Manager of the CVS Pharmacy on Carlisle Street where he had been employed for 12 years. Mr. Groft served in the PA National Guard. Mr. Groft was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church on York St., Hanover, and had been active with the local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary He loved boating and the outdoors and will be remembered by his nieces and nephews for the fishing trips and good times they shared. In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by a sister, Ruth Groft Hall and her husband, Daune of New Oxford; eight nieces and nephews, Karen Marchio Albright, Anthony E. Marchio, Kimberly Hall Krout, Jeffrey M. Hall, Gary R. Bowers, Brent A. Bowers, Kimberly Bixler Farner and Heather L. Bixler; and many great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Naomi Groft Marchio. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 127 York St., Hanover. Viewings will be Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Panebaker Funeral Home, 311 Broadway, Hanover, and Wednesday in the church parlor from 10 to 11 a.m. The Rev. Timothy J. Kielley will officiate. Burial will be in Rest Haven Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers will be his nephews, David Albright, Anthony Marchio, Lance Krout, Jeffrey Hall, Gary Bowers and Brent Bowers. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 127 York St., Hanover, PA 17331.