Leon Peterson Hove

Leon Peterson Hove, 84, passed away on February 18, 2026. He was born on September 14, 1941 in Geary, OK. Leon (Lee) and Kathleen (Kathy) were married for 62 years before her passing in 2023. During their lives together, they spent 34 years in Illinois before returning to Washington, Missouri in 1995 upon Leon's retirement from the Copley Newspapers as Vice President of Fox Valley Press.

Leon began his commitment to Lions Club International in 1977 while living in Joliet, Illinois. Leon was a deeply involved member of the Washington Lions Club. Throughout his years with this Club, he was a 9-time Progressive Melvin Jones Fellowship Recipient. He received his first Melvin Jones Fellowship in 1997. His passion for vision health was particularly personal because his wife, Kathy, who he loved dearly, struggled with corneal disease. As a co-founder of the Missouri Lions Eye Mission Foundation, Leon spent years volunteering at eye clinics, including notable missions providing recycled eyeglasses in Mexico, Panama, and throughout Missouri.

Leon was an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Washington, Missouri where he served as a Lector. His love of travel was an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the lands he travelled to. Golf was another lifelong passion for Leon where he made many enduring friendships.

Leon is survived by his daughter Tonya Smith, his son-in-law Cliff Smith, Surprise, AZ, two grandsons, Kyle Smith, Surprise, AZ and Ryan Smith, Springfield, Missouri. His brother, John Hove (Nora) of Tulsa, OK. Sister-in-law Janie Zeilmann, Washington, MO, Brother-in-law Donnie Zeilmann (Betty) Rosebud, MO and 4 nieces and 2 nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ludvik J. Hove and Lydia Parks Hove and his brother Norman Hove.

At the time of his passing, Leon was a resident of Surprise, Arizona, having relocated there to be closer to his daughter and her family. Before his passing, he enjoyed family and being part of the active adult community at The Grand in addition to continuing his lifelong commitment as a Lions Club member of Sun City Mid-Week Bell. A Celebration of Life will be held in Washington, MO with a date TBD.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to:

Missouri Lions Eye Mission Foundation

7770 Oakmont Ln.,

Union, MO 63084

or

Lions Club International Foundation

300 W. 22nd Street

Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842

https://www.molionseyemissions.com

https://www.lionsclubs.org/en