Donald Dean Hoover

A man of hard work, humor, and heart, Donald Dean Hoover built a life centered around family and entrepreneurial spirit. Known to many as Don, Donnie, Hoovie, or simply Hoover, he lived 87 remarkable years filled with determination, success, and an unshakable sense of humor.

Born in Elk Horn, Iowa, on April 13, 1937, Don was of German and Danish descent. After losing his father in World War II, Don was raised in Iowa, where he developed a strong sense of resilience and independence. He eventually launched several successful construction businesses, often joking, “Sh-t doesn’t flow upstream, and paydays are on Friday.” It was in Iowa that he had his daughter, Lori, and later met the love of his life, Marlene, with whom he had two more daughters. In 1980, Don moved to Florida with a lawnmower and a determination that could outlast any summer heat. That move marked the start of a new chapter.

Together, Don and Marlene grew a small lawn care operation into Don’s Landscaping, a thriving business rooted in friendship, reputation, and doing things the right way. “Green side up,” he’d often say. Don became one of the landscaping pioneers in Deltona, Florida—back when the city had only a few hundred homes. Never one to sit still, Don opened Don’s Video in the mid-1980s. It quickly became a community staple and a reflection of his love for movies. In the early 1990s, he launched Don’s Pizza & Video, a family business that brought people together over good food and great films. These ventures weren’t just about income—they were about taking care of the people he loved.

Don was known for his wit, charisma, intelligence, entrepreneurial spirit, skills in managing complex construction projects, operating a backhoe, and a deep love for film, YouTube, and life’s simple pleasures. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marlene Joyce Hoover; his sister, Caroline Hoover Blue; and brothers, Lester and Thomas Amen. He is survived by his daughters, Lori Hoover, Pamela Rutherford, and Teri Hoover; grandchildren, Savannah Rutherford, Skylar Lodes, and Brody Rutherford; great-grandson, Nicolas Rutherford; and his brother, Martin “Marty” Amen.

Don accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, leaving behind a family that adored him. He had completed construction and landscaping projects in Iowa, California, and Florida that will last for many generations to come, as well as made friends with whom he shared fond memories. Though he may no longer walk among us, his legacy of grit, generosity, and humor lives on in every life he touches.