AKRON – Gordon L. Groninger, 87, of rural Akron, died at 9:55 a.m. Oct. 4, 2013, at his residence. He was born Nov. 12, 1925, in rural Fulton County to Roy L. and Mary Ferree Groninger. On Sept. 20, 1950, in North Manchester, he married Mary Louise, who died in 2012. He was a lifelong resident of Akron. He graduated from Akron High School in 1944, where he was a basketball player. He served in the U.S. Army. He was a farmer and sold fertilizer for Kaiser Fertilizer and Occidental Petroleum. He also drove a school bus for several years in the rural Akron area. He enjoyed playing cards, watching and playing sports with his family. Surviving are four children: Danny L. (and spouse Karen) Groninger, and Gregory L. (and spouse Annette) Groninger, all of rural Akron; Nancy A. (and spouse Howard) Davies, Ross, Ohio; and Timothy L. Groninger, Fort Wayne; one sister, Alice McFarland, Fort Wayne; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Pauline Daine and Ruth Daine; and four brothers: Otto, Harold, Dwight and Wayne. Services will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Earl-Love Funeral Home, 811 E. Rochester St., Akron, with Haley Brandonburg officiating. Calling is from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials to Gentiva Hospice, 1476 W. 18th St., Rochester, IN 46975. Condolences may be sent via www.earllovefuneralhome.com.
