Donald Lee “Hobo” Hovell, age 66, of Calvert, AL passed away on Sunday April 28, 2024, surrounded by family.Donald was born in Mobile, AL on March 31, 1958, and a lifelong resident of Calvert, AL. He was a 1976 graduate of Citronelle High School. After graduating he joined the workforce climbing the ladder to excel in his career as an I&E technician, eventually retiring from Tate and Lyle in McIntosh, AL in 2018.
Donald met Gina in 1981 in Coden, AL. They were married on November 7th , just six months later. Donald was an amazing husband, loving father, and the world's best Pawpaw. He instilled core values in everyone he met, focusing on family. A devoted Catholic, Don was a proud member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church.
If he wasn’t spending time with his grandchildren, you could find him on the water with a fishing pole. Many projects came over the years, including making their house a home. If Gina could imagine it, Don could build it. He was always in the shop creating something, mainly out of wood. Some of these projects included building bird feeders to sit and enjoy nature.
Don will be truly missed by all who had the chance to meet him. His gentle soul brought out the best in everyone and every situation. He was the neighbor anyone would hope for. His kindness never ran empty, and his heart always had room for one more. He believed in bringing everyone together and sharing his home with anyone who needed it. His word was his bond and his love never ending.
Don was preceded in death by his father, Thomas C Hovell, Jr. mother, Lila Jean Bailey Hovell Cooper, and his brother Richard Thomas Hovell. He is survived by his adoring wife of 42 years, Gina Maria Hovell; son Brian Lee (April), daughter Jennifer Leigh (Ashley); grandchildren, Samantha Paige Durden, Isabella Marie, Thomas James, Wyatt Benson and Paisley Irene Maria; sister Theresa Ann Maddox (Kenny) , sister-in-law, Pamela Hovell, mother-in-law Linda McCafferty, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Nicole (Steve) Goldstein, Brandy (Todd) Coker and numerous aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be held at St. Cecilia Catholic Church on Thursday, May 2, 2024 from 10:00 -11:00. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00. Graveside services will be held at Calvert Memorial Cemetery immediately following. Serving as pallbearers will be Robert Cannon, Todd Coker, Ricky Dew, Steve Goldstein, Jimmy Jones, Larry Morgan, and honorary pallbearers Buddy Barnett and Dink Knight.
Flowers may be sent to St. Cecilia Catholic Church. Donations may be offered to The Alzheimer's Foundation or St. Cecilia Catholic Church.
