CHESTER, WV – Leonard R. "Buck" Groves, 81, of Chester passed away on Monday, January 13, 2025, at UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh with his family by his side.

Buck was born November 21, 1943, in Lawrenceville, WV, a son of the late Leonard A. and Betty (Moran) Groves.

Buck was a graduate of Chester High School Class of 1961. He was a deacon at Virginia Avenue Church of Christ prior to becoming the minister at Southern Hills Church of Christ. Buck graciously served the Lord as their minister from 1985 until 2022. He worked at Airco Welding where he served as the president of the Steelworkers Union. Buck retired from Arcelor Mittal Steel in Weirton where he worked security. He was an avid Steeler fan.

Preceding Buck in death were his birth mother Etta Rose (Stuchell) Groves; three sisters Nancy Jo Wilson, Kathleen Martin and Penny Tinkey.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 60 years, whom he married May 15, 1964, Vera L. (Beagle) Groves; son Brandon E. Groves; sister Mary "Peg" Laughlin and four sisters-in-law Navella "Sis" Howard, Lorretta Bayless, Marcella Martin and Janie Beagle.

Friends may visit Friday at the Dawson Funeral Home where the family will be present from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Evangelist Rico Brown, Evangelist Will Montgomery and Minister Ken Taylor will conduct a funeral service at Virginia Avenue Church of Christ on Saturday at 1 p.m. Private burial at Columbiana County Memorial Park.