Bedford J. Groves

Bedford Groves passed away at the Chester River Manor on March 15, 2011 at age 90. Born on July 31, 1920 at Turners Creek near Kennedyville, MD, he was the son of the late, William B. and Catharine R. Groves. He was the husband of Hildegard M. Groves of Chestertown, formerly of Munich, Germany whom he married February 1948. After graduating from High School in 1937, Mr. Groves employed by Koppers Co. in Baltimore until 1943 at which time he enlisted in the Army. He saw wartime combat with the 45th Thunderbird Infantry Division at Anzio and in the southern France, Elsace and Germany. He was in Munich at the end of the war where he met his bride to be. His military awards include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Arrowhead for Amphibious Landing, the Combat Infantryman Badge, World War Victory Medal, Ribbon of Occupation in Germany and a Good Conduct Medal. Staff Sergeant Groves received an Honorable Discharge December 1945. Bedford returned to military service January 1946 in the Counter Intelligence Corp and was assigned as a Special Agent in the Stuttgart-Goeppingen region of Germany. He received medical discharge December 1947. Mr. Groves enrolled as a full time student at Washington College in 1948 and graduated magna cum laude in 1952 with a major in English. He was employed by Washington College for 35 years in various capacities and in 1973 was appointed assistant to Dr. McClain, President of Washington College. In 2002 Mr. Groves was awarded the Washington College Presidential Citation, one of the highest honors bestowed by the College. The citation states, in part, “He knew everything there was to know about Washington College, and he performed all of his duties with meticulous care and a generous, patient kind spirit, earning the respect and admiration of the entire College community. In all of his varied posts, he worked selflessly behind the scenes to insure that the public perceived the College in the best possible light. Throughout more than three decades of service to Washington College, he understood the intricate machinations that make our fine College such a valuable asset to the community.” Bedford was a Charter Member of the American Legion C. Henry Price Post 246, and a Life member of the Disabled American Veteran Chapter # 9 in Centreville, MD. He was a member of Anzio Beachhead Veterans of WW II and Purple Heart Delmarva Chapter # 570 and the National Amputation Chapter. While living in Betterton he was very active in many civic organizations. He is survived by his wife; Hildegard, a son; James W. Groves and wife, Doris of Chestertown, MD and daughters, Hildegard Brigitte Groves and husband, Charles Berry of Gaithersburg, MD, Margarethe Crockett and husband, David of New Carrolton, MD; five grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; sisters, Rebecca Smith of Easton, MD, Ruth Elliot and husband, Robert and Mary Roe Walkup of Still Pond Creek, MD, Rusty Brandon of Earleville, MD and Virginia Liddell and husband, Glenn of Federalsburg, MD. Bedford was predeceased by a sister, Anna Belle Darwin. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 11:00 am at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, 130 Speer Road, Chestertown, MD where relatives and friends may call one hour prior (10-11). Interment will be in Still Pond Cemetery following the service. In Lieu of Flowers, contribution may be made to Betterton Volunteer Fire Co., P.O. Box 235, Betterton, MD 21610 or Betterton United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 131, Betterton, MD 21610.

Bedford J. Groves

July 31, 1920 - March 15, 2011