Howard Hoover

Howard Clark Hoover, 86, of Odin passed away Thursday, April 16, 2020 at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia. He was born on February 14, 1934 the son of Glenn and Julia (Kurtz) Hoover in Xenia. He married the love of his life, Rhea Wilcox on June 5, 1953 in Flora and she survives him in Odin.

Along with his wife of 66 years, Rhea Hoover, Howard is survived by his devoted children, Kerry Hoover of Centralia and wife Tami of Inglis, FL, Douglas Hoover of Odin, Monte Hoover and wife Julie of Odin, Stanley Hoover of Centralia; precious grandchildren, Michael Hoover and wife Alicia, Ray Albert III and wife Mandi, Cara Beth Albert, Terry Bierman, Brian Bierman, Christopher Hoover, Nick Hoover, Stacy Hoover, Curtis Hoover, Anya Kelly, and Melissa Hoover-Lowery & husband Scott; cherished great-grandchildren, Caleb, Hunter, Reed, David, Brian Jr., McKayla, K'Lynn, Abygayle, Aribella, Gabriel, Zachary, Connor, Lindsey, Lana Rose, Arnoni; kind siblings, sister, Alice Dulaney of MO, and brother, Carl Hoover and wife Charlotte of MO.

Mr. Hoover was preceded in death by both his parents; and sisters, Edith Mitchell, Marion Edmiston, and Gene Nunn; brother, Glenn Hoover; and son Kent Hoover.

Mr. Hoover grew up in Xenia, and Flora, IL and moved to Odin in 1968. He was a loyal employee of Valley Steel for 40 years before retirement. Howard was a member of the Community of Christ Church and volunteered with the local Boy Scouts of America, as a leader, and Odin food pantry. Howard liked to support his town of Odin and was a longtime scorekeeper for Odin's basketball teams. He also gave great advice while coaching summer baseball, senior, and pony leagues. Howard was a train enthusiast and collector of model trains. He also enjoyed searching for unique, collectable stamps, and coins. Howard modeled a life of love and dedication to his family and his memory will live on with all he knew and loved.

Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Odin is honored to be assisting the family of Howard Hoover with arrangements. A graveside service will be held at 2 PM Sunday, April 19, 2020 at Peaceful Valley Cemetery in Odin. Memorials may be made in Howard's honor to the Odin Food Pantry, Gospel Lighthouse and will be accepted for the family at Irvin Macz Funeral Home 234 South Elm St. Centralia, IL 62801. Any cards are encouraged to be mailed to Rhea Hoover P.O. Box 478 Odin, IL 62870. Online condolences and memories of Howard may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home's Facebook page.