Don was born in Corvallis, Oregon on April 8, 1935 to Marvin and Lucille Groshong. He was the first of four children, raised in the farming community of Oakville. The kids were often told during the summer to pack a lunch and not return till dark.
Mischief was always part of the plan. As a child he seldom wore shoes, except when attending church. He graduated from Shedd High School in 1953.
Besides being a farm hand for several in the Oakville area his first job was with the Bureau of Mines in Albany. From there he worked at his uncle’s custom door factory in Milwaukie, Oregon until drafted in the US Army in 1957. After he was discharged from the service he went to work for Superior Veneer Company while he took courses at OSU.
Then he began his 30+ years with Oregon Public Broadcasting as a technical engineer. He retired at age 56. Then in his early retirement he enjoyed pumping gas at the Gull station in Corvallis for the social scene.
And by social scene we mean the dogs who waited for treats. He met Virginia (Ginny) Lister in the early 1950’s through his brothers who were her classmates. They dated until she left for college, a few letters were exchange until Ginny decided it wouldn’t work as she pursued her college career to become a nurse.
Once she returned back to Corvallis a year later she wrote him a letter that she would like to see him again. He promptly showed up at her work and the rest was history. Married in July of 1957.
Drafted three months later they relocated to Georgia for boot camp at Ft. Gordon. Don was sent to Korea and Ginny came home to Oregon with Donnie in her tummy.
She gave birth to Donald Marvin Jr. on April 8, 1959 while Don was in Korea. He returned in July and Denise Lynn was born nine months later. Randall Keith was planned for December 19, 1963.
Then Melissa Colette came May 3, 1969 completing the family. He loved his family, hunting, fishing, woodworking, gardening, reading, sports, and crossword puzzles but not necessarily in that order. He had the love of outdoors and the Lord which led him to become a youth group leader.
He could charm any animal out there, but his dogs were extra special. He was proceeded in death by his parents Marvin and Lucille Groshong, brother Darwin Groshong, sister Mary Macy and grandson Matthew Groshong. Survived by wife Virginia L. Groshong, son Donald Groshong, daughter Denise (Groshong) Myrstol (Carl), son Randall Groshong and daughter Melissa Groshong (Chance).
Thirteen grandchildren, Brandi, Nicole, Samantha, Kyle, Cassie, Brian, Whitney, Nia, Cameron, Joshua, Madison, Lily and Tanner. Three (almost four) great grandchild and his youngest brother Gordan Groshong. Plus, a large family of brother and sister in-laws along with many wonderful nieces and nephews.
There will be a graveside service later this summer at the Oakville Cemetery. Time to be determined.
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