Wayne B. Grove, 79, passed away Thursday, July 21, 2022, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital, Newburgh, Indiana.
He was born Oct. 24, 1942, at Indianapolis, in St. Francis Hospital to the late Bruce E. and Frieda I. Grove. Wayne was a 1960 graduate of Thomas Carr Howe High School, Indianapolis. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1964 from Purdue University. Wayne was employed with Navistar (formerly International Harvester for 31 years at the Truck Engine Plant in Indianapolis. He held various positions in management, retiring in 1997 as Supervisor of Material Traffic and Scheduling. Wayne was a certified member of the American Society of Transportation and Logistics. In addition, he also mentored others to help them achieve certification.
In June 1999, he married Joan (Wood) Bowes in Crawfordsville. After Joan retired from teaching, they moved to Newburgh to be closer to her son, Tony. Wayne was an active member of Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, Newburgh, where he enjoyed volunteering at the Food Pantry. He was very talented with his hobby of making stained glass designs which he pursued for many years. Wayne also worked part-time for Enterprise Remarketing in Evansville.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Joan Grove; daughter Diane Carpenter; step-son, Tony Bowes; grandchildren, Kim Carpenter and Savannah and Todd Grove; and sister-in-law Marilyn Grove.
He was preceded in death by son Michael B. Grove; brother Michael D. Grove; sister Cynthia Lucas; and step-father, Arthur Grau.
Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Friday, July 29 at Shirley Brothers Irving Hill Chapel, 5377 E. Washington St. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 30 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 5333 E. Washington St., with visitation there one hour prior. A private graveside service will be held Monday, Aug. 1 at Roselawn Cemetery, Terre Haute.
Wayne was a very caring genuine man. He was a wonderful husband to his wife, Joan; and a loving step-father to his step-son, Tony. Wayne and Joan traveled extensively including several trips to Europe. This was one of their favorite pastimes. Wayne was a dedicated golfer. He learned to love the sport growing up next to Pleasant Run Golf Course. He played for many years wherever he lived.
A procession will be held through his childhood neighborhoods and will lead to Pleasant Run where all will be invited to tee off at the first tee for a final sendoff.
Wayne will be sorely missed by all his family and friends. May you rest in peace dear Wayne, until we meet again.
Memorial contributions may be made to Voices, Vanderburgh County Nursing Home Ombudsman, 2425 N. US 41, Ste. 405, Evansville, IN 47711. Visit online at www.shirleybrothers.com.
