Everett "Jake" Groves, 55, of Tuscola, IL, passed away at 3:45 a.m. Monday, November 10, 2014 at his residence.

Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, November 13, 2014 at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL, with Rev. Mike Zylstra officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Tuscola Township Cemetery, Tuscola, IL.

Mr. Groves was born February 12, 1959 in Tuscola, IL the son of Fred H. and Audrey J. Harris Groves. He married Patricia A. Wright on May 1, 1979 in Springfield, MO. She survives.

Other survivors include his mother: Audrey Groves of Tuscola, IL, his son: Scott (Stef) Groves of Camargo, IL; his siblings: Bill (Paula) Evans of Okeechobee, FL; Marvin (Sue) Evans of Morris, IL; Terry (Brad) Hornaday of Tuscola, IL; Donna (Duane) Hunter of Charleston, IL; and Fred "Hank" (Denise) Groves of Tuscola, IL; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and a nephew.

Jake worked in construction for several years. He also worked at Kelsey's Furniture and was a US Postal Mail Carrier in Tuscola.
Jake was a member of the First Christian Church of Tuscola and the First Christian Church of Villa Grove, where he served as a deacon. He was also a member of the Tuscola Moose Lodge. Jake was past President and District Governor of the ABC Club and he helped build wheel chair ramps in Douglas County.

He enjoyed deer and turkey hunting, especially taking kids to the youth hunts at Dismal Creek Hunting Club. Jake was an avid St. Louis Blues hockey and NY Yankees baseball fan. He enjoyed volunteering with the Tuscola JFL and Little League programs. Jake also enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions are suggested to: Tuscom Little League, P.O. Box 51, Tuscola, IL 61953 or Linconland Hospice, P.O. Box 372, Mattoon, IL 61938

Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com