Birth Date: 11/21/1935
Deceased Date: 06/05/2023
Donald Earl Gruver, 87, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, June 5th. He passed away at home in the company of family and church friends.
Born in Peoria, Illinois, on November 21, 1935. He was the fourth of seven children. During the war years, he moved with his family to Richland, Washington. He graduated from Richland High School (home of the Richland Bombers) in 1953.
He was first introduced to the Church of Jesus Christ as a Boy Scout. When 14 years old, he was converted and baptized a member. Later, he attended Brigham Young University for 2 years and then served a 2 1/2-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in northern Mexico. He served as a District Leader, Zone Leader, and Branch President. During this time, he would meet his future wife, Lydda Alicia del Bosque, in Durango. She was serving as a full-time missionary as well. Released on the same day, they corresponded for 2 years and married in 1959.
He graduated with a BS in Mathematics Education from Central Washington State College in Ellensburg, WA. He later studied accounting and worked for several companies as a financial comptroller. He also served his country, spending 7 years in the US Marine Corps Reserves, during the Vietnam War era.
Active in his church, he served as Ward Counselor, Scout Master, Branch President, Sunday School Teacher, High Councilman, and Patriarch with a special assignment to the Spanish-speaking members in Eastern North Carolina.
Preceded in death by his parents, 5 siblings, and his son Glen Kelly Gruver (1990). He is survived by his wife, Lydda; daughter, Melissa (Neal); son, Alan (Debbie); 3 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.
