William Henry Shova Jr.

Bill was born in Toledo, Ohio to William and Viola Shova. He spent his formative years in a little suburb of Toledo called Point Place. In junior high school, Bill became interested in singing, and he was a born performer. He met his future wife, Barbara, in 6th grade and they married after graduation from high school.

Bill joined the U.S. Coast Guard after high school, where he spent an exciting 21 years. He rose swiftly in rank, retiring as Chief Warrant Officer. He and Barbara lived in Connecticut, New York City, Louisiana, Washington state, and San Francisco.

Bill retired in 1980, and the couple moved to Fontana, where Bill started a second career in 1981 with Raytheon, until retiring in 1991. After that he worked as a consultant for Quality Aviation, an airplane parts company in Fontana.

Bill loved sports, especially softball, skiing, and golf. He and Barbara moved to Sun Lakes in 2003, where Bill continued enjoying golf. The couple joined many clubs over the years, including the Friendship Club, ICC, the Dinner Dance Club, and the 80s Plus Club.

Throughout his life, Bill loved to sing. His rich bass voice was a natural for barbershop singing, and he joined The Inland Sound Men’s Chorus where his deep voice could always be heard. He sang in the choir in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, with the Sun Lakes Chorale, Barbershoppers, the Notables, and in shows like the Follies and That’s Entertainment.

Bill is survived by Barbara, his wife of 67 years, son Jerry Shova and wife, Ann, daughter Christine Link, and brother John Shova, and his wife Gayle.

A loving memorial for Bill will be held on Wednesday, February 11, at 11am at Weaver Mortuary, 1177 Beaumont Avenue in Beaumont. After the service, Bill will be interred with military honors at Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd Riverside, CA 92518 at 2:00pm