Harold Leroy Grove (known affectionately as “Musty” to many), 85 passed away due to a tragic accident on January 9, 2022.
Harold was born on June 10, 1936, in Helena, Montana, an only child to Frances (Harris) and Joseph Grove.
Harold grew up in Helena, attending grade school and graduating from Helena High School in 1955. After Graduating, Harold proudly enlisted in the US Army where he served some of his time in Germany as a lineman. After separation from the US Army, Harold joined the Montana National Guard with the 3669th Maintenance Company where he worked as a full-time technician at Fort Harrison in Helena, Montana until retiring as a 1st Sgt. in 1986.
In 1959 Harold married Judith Lee Williams. To this union four children were born: Tracy, Pat, Tim and Mike. Some time later, Harold married Kathy Ferda. Both of these unions ended in divorce.
Even though Harold moved around a bit from Helena, Montana to Boulder, Montana to Basin Montana to Eugene, Oregon; then back to Helena. Eventually settling his last years in a quaint house by the creek near Clancy, Montana. No matter where he was, he never forgot his Montana National Guard “buddies”. He will surely be missed at their many breakfast get-togethers.
Harold was happiest when he had his beloved 5 lb., 4 legged Shatzee by his side. It was a very sad day when Shatzee crossed the rainbow bridge. It was at this time Harold adopted his new 4-legged, feisty side kick, Daisy, to spend his remaining days with. You could always find Harold playing in “his” creek and tending to his many rabbits that he fed. Harold will be missed by many friends and family.
I guess we all know now that he really “wasn’t too onery to die”
Harold was preceded in death by his parents Frances and Joseph Grove and grandson, Kyle Grove.
His is survived by his children, Tracy Grove, Patrick Grove (Denise), Tim Grove, Michael Grove (Wendy); grandchildren, Christopher Gehring (Tony Lobello), Austin Grove (Hailey), Ivy Grove (Rachel Hughes), Shelbi Grove, Lane Grove, Erin Payne (Shawn), Joseph Grove, Jordan Samuelson, Jennifer Samuelson, Brandon Agan, Zach Agan; great grandchildren Keaton, Kyle, Hattie, Rylee, Walker, Cash, Jade, Jerney, Bentley, Noa and Tori.
Graveside services will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 14th at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery. A reception will follow the graveside service at the Fort Harrison Service Club.
Sharon Sargeson says
Tracy and family, I am saddened by the loss of your dad. He was a great friend. He will always be in my prayers.
Charlie Mueller says
Rest in peace my dear friend!
david l heller says
RIP Harold . On behalf of the Heller family (Larry, (deceased) David, Your new life has begun.
My Condolence the Grove Family.
Marie Francis says
Our condolences, so sorry for your loss
Marie and Jason Francis
Clancy ,MT
Kelly Nilan says
Jeezus, Jeezus, Sweet Jeezus! I think, somehow, his parents combined DNA from Rocky Graziano and Yogi Berra and created “Musty.” Tough as nails and funnier than s@#t at the same time. He was one-of-a-kind. There will never be another one like him. RIP ol’ friend.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Musty was a good Guard buddy and many memories of playing basketball 🏀 with and against Musty in the National Guard league. Rest In Peace old friend.
Kelley Patzer says
Grove family,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your father. It is never easy or sometimes understandable. I pray that many great memories can fill the void that is left at this time. I pray the Lord’s healing over all of you. God Bless
Allan V Stricker says
So sorry to hear of Musty’s passing. He was a great example of not only a Guardsman, but a man. He will be missed.
My condolences.
Sarah Stankowiak says
Grove Family,
I did not know “Musty,” but my 3 year old son and I drove by your house everyday and looked to see if your bunnies or Daisy were outside. It was something we looked forward to every day and will miss. I hope you find some comfort in all the great memories you have left on so many people.
Thoughts and Prayers to your entire family.
Sincerely,
Sarah and Duke Stankowiak
Allen Stennhjem says
RIP ole Buddy many many good times had
Saundra Lowry says
Pat Denise and Family,
I am so sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. No matter how old we are when our parents go we feel like orphans. I will hold you close in my thoughts and wish you peace and love.
Saundra Lowry
Grace Hamlin Cooper says
I sat behind Harold from 2nd grade to 8th grade and the in sr. English. Eddy Hartman left us a few months ago. Will miss them both if the class of 1955 gathers again.
Jack Leslie says
My condolences to all of you for your loss. Hadn’t seen Musty in many years and should have stopped by on my last trip. Many fond memories of hanging out and and listening to his stories.
Calvin Richardson says
Harold and I grew up together. He was a cousin and a friend. He read me “The Wizard of Oz” when I was about 5 years old. It’s hard to believe that I can’t call him up and hear “Calvin, how the hell are you”. He left me as the lonely “old” Harris family member. We used to joke that we were now the “old folks.” I will miss him. My heart goes out to Tracy and the boys. God grant you all strength and comfort at a difficult time. Love you all.