Cyrus Eldon "Buck" Congrove

Cyrus Eldon "Buck" Congrove, 89, of Chillicothe, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 14, 1936 in Hallsville, Ohio. Eldon was the son of the late Eldon Franklin Congrove, Sr., and Isabel Lily (Kerns) Congrove. He was blessed to celebrate 70 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Joyce (Lunsford) Congrove.

Eldon is survived by his daughter, Cheryl E. Hoffman; his son, Thomas M. (Kerry) Congrove; and his grandchildren, Jenny (Blake) Rose, Kim (Greg) Graham, Danny (Paige) Congrove, Brian Hoffman, Jamie (Adam) Coates, Thomas J. (Michelle) Congrove, and Mitchell Congrove. He also leaves behind his great-grandchildren, Kalynn (Benjamin) Spindler; Josh (Kara) Rose; Jake Rose; James (Hanna) Ditmar; Ellerie, Keaton, and Fletcher Graham; Lane, Hallie, and Luke Congrove; Jocie and Cyrus Coates; and Wyatt Hoffman. Additional survivors include his siblings, Roy Congrove, Joyce Bivens, and Dean Congrove; sisters-in-law, Patty Congrove and Wilma Boyd; his beloved pup, Blue; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and cherished friends.

In addition to his parents and his in-laws, Harrison and Carrie Lunsford, Eldon was preceded in death by his son, Daniel Congrove, who passed away at age 54 due to complications from ALS; brother, Billy Joe Congrove; son-in-law, Mike Hoffman; and sister-in-law, Alice Congrove.

There are also countless little critters who felt at home in his gentle presence—most especially his beloved dog, Blue. Even though Blue didn't get to see him often toward the end, the moments they did share were filled with unmistakable affection. Whenever Blue was near Eldon, their bond was as clear and tender as ever—a quiet, loyal love that needed no words.

Eldon graduated from Kingston Union High School. He worked on the family farm, spent time employed at Mead Paper, and devoted most of his career to life on the road as a truck driver. Anyone who met him in his later years knew that although he eventually hung up his keys, he never truly felt retired—and he held onto the hope of getting back behind the wheel right up to the end.

Cyrus will be remembered for his charisma, charm, quick wit, and warm sense of humor. His generosity was legendary; he was known to quietly pay for the meals of trucking friends—and sometimes complete strangers—whose wallets ran a little shorter than their miles. Above all, he will be remembered for his extraordinary capacity to love. He loved deeply and openly, with words, hugs, kisses, and countless acts of kindness.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the HILL FUNERAL HOME in Kingston. The family will receive friends Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at Hill's. Burial will follow in Hallsville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Eldon's honor to the ALS Association of Central and Southern Ohio (1170 Old Henderson Rd #221, Columbus, OH 43220). Condolences may be shared on Eldon's online guest registry at www.hillfhkingston.com.