LaVern Stover

LaVern C. 'Smokey' Stover, 71, of Mansfield died Sunday afternoon, September 14, 2003 at Lexington Court in Lexington, Ohio. Mr. Stover was born February 7, 1932 in Iowa City, Iowa living in the Mansfield area the past 37 years. He graduated from Conrad High School in Conrad, Iowa in 1950. He was invited to tryout for the St. Louis Browns as a pitcher. Deciding to pursue a career with the FBI as a print setter, he took off for Washington D.C. foregoing a baseball career. He received a B.S. in Business Administration in 1962 from American University and a Juris Doctor Degree in 1965 from the Washington College of Law. He retired from the FBI January 3, 1986 after 35 years. He has been awarded several FBI commendations for investigating alleged beatings in Mansfield City Jail, being one of the lead investigators in the fatal shootings at Kent State University, and arresting the three men who kidnapped the children of a Lucas bank manager. He was a member of the Society of Former Agents for the FBI, both nationally and the Cleveland chapter. He was in the past a Police Instructor and Legal Instructor for Police Schools throughout the Mansfield area teaching many of Mansfield's law enforcement officers tactical training and legal issues. He was also a private investigator for Corporate Investigative Services, Inc. He was known as a shotgun master by other members of the FBI, winning many shotgun challenges, considered best in this area for many years. He most recently served as bailiff for Richland County Common Pleas Court. He provided leadership in the Boy Scouts for 18 years, serving as Council Executive Board Member, Council Advisory Board Member, Council Commissioner, National Council Representative, member of Council Consolidation Committee, Council Long Range Planning Committee. LaVern earned his Wood Badge beads and is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, the highest award presented by a local scouting council. He was also a member of Ducks Unlimited, a consultant for SCORE, member of the Citizens Advisory Board of MANCI and RCI. He attended and was active at both Berean Baptist Church and First Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the Rotary Club and chairman of the annual McGowen Courage Awards. LaVern was an avid sportsman and marksman who enjoyed golfing and fishing. He loved attending athletic events in which his grandsons participated. He was a 'Super Ram Fan' referred to by Madison High School athletes as 'Grandpa.' LaVern touched many lives with his love for the Lord. He had an avid interest in community concerns and political campaigning. Mr. Stover was activated as an Army reservist during the Korean Conflict.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl Elaine & Kim Meister of Mansfield; two sons, Major Edward Allen Stover, serving with the Air National Guard in Mansfield and Major Michael David Stover, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, stationed in Hawaii; three grandchildren, Gabriel Trenton & Holly Meister and Rory Matthew Meister, all of Columbus; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Harris A. & Jeanne Stover of Vienna, Virginia, Laurence & LaVonne Stover of Marshalltown, Iowa and Harley Stover of Conrad, Iowa; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and special friend, Eileen Kirkbride. He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Doris Mullins Stover in 1999; his mother, Eliza Irene Stover in 1991; father, Orange A. Stover in 1968; and an infant sister, Annabelle, in 1927.

Friends may call at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors Wednesday 3-5 and 7-9. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at Berean Baptist Church conducted by Rev. David Pound and Rev. Dennis Allison. Military services will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scouts of America.