Lawrence Joseph "Joe" Hoover, Jr.

Born July 7, 1951 in Peoria to Lawrence Joseph and Nita (Boles) Hoover, Sr., he married Susan Redfield on December 31, 1987 in East Peoria. She survives.

Also surviving are his three sons, Derek Hoover of Peoria, Kyle (Laura) Hoover and Alexander Hoover, both of Marquette Heights; four grandchildren, Alex Hoover, Kylee Hoover, Ayden Hoover and Christopher Hoover, all of Marquette Heights; four siblings, Elizabeth Boles of Peoria, Merry McCarrick of Groveland, James (Dori) Hoover of East Peoria and Ann Alley of Peoria. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law, Dwayne Wallbeezer of Peoria.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister; and two brothers.

Joe had worked for Komatsu Mining System in Peoria for 42 years.

He was an active member of the Pekin First Church of the Nazarene and was grateful to have had the experience of doing missionary work in Mexico.

Joe cherished his family. He loved coaching his boys’ baseball teams throughout their childhood. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. He was very close to all of his grandchildren and was involved in their daily lives. All of them were lucky enough to enjoy a Papa’s Breakfast every morning for their whole lives.

His funeral will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, December 27, 2018 at Pekin First Church of the Nazarene in Pekin. Pastor W. Lloyd Brock will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 to 11:15 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Pekin. Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pekin First Church of the Nazarene, 3514 Broadway Rd. Pekin, IL 61554.