Gerald D. Hoover

Gerald (Jerry) (D) Hoover was born to Harold and Willa Hoover on August 24th, 1931 at home near Rush, Colorado. Gerald, along with his three brothers and one sister, spent their childhood working together on the family farm. He graduated from Miami School in 1949. In 1951 he joined the U.S. Air Force and served four years, where he met the love of his life, Norma Jean (Boes), sharing over 58 years together.

After serving his country, Jerry and Norma returned to farm and ranch in the Rush area. Together they raised their family of four (Cindy, Emma, Gale and Julie) and appreciated living the country life. erry loved playing and having fun with his kids. He enjoyed watching his kids (and grandkids) in sports and activities, rarely missing an event. In 1972 they left the ranch and Jerry went to work as a welder for Joy Manufacturing in Colorado Springs for 25 years. Throughout the years and after retirement, Jerry and Norma enjoyed traveling through many states.

Jerry enjoyed gardening, his green house, and together with Norma kept a beautiful acreage outside of Rush. In 2003 Jerry and Norma were honored with an “Outstanding Small Acreage Manager” award presented by the Double El Conservation District. Jerry most certainly had a gift for finding seedlings, planting and raising trees. After spending 57 years in the Rush area, Jerry and Norma moved to Colorado City in 2012 to be closer to family.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Norma of Colorado City, CO, daughter Cindy (Danny) Cleveland, of Colorado City, CO, daughter Emma (Russ) Nicely, of Macomb, OK, son Gale (Kara) Hoover, of Wray, CO and daughter Julie (Mike) Mathis, of Elbert, CO; twelve grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, sister Mira Herbert of Colorado Springs, CO, brothers, Bill Hoover of Bakersfield, CA, Ron (Donna) Hoover of Rush, CO and Tom Hoover of Rush, CO and many nieces and nephews, and friends in Rush and Colorado City areas.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Harold and Willa Hoover, sister-in-laws Veda Hoover and Beverly Drake, daughter-in-law Sharon Hoover and great-grandson, Tyler Nicely.

A public visitation will be held Wednesday, May 21, 2014 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Swan-Law Cascade Chapel - 501 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 22, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Central United Methodist Church - 4373 Galley Rd., Colorado Springs, with a reception following service. Cemetery committal service with military honors will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Colorado Springs.

Memorial funds, in lieu of flowers, can be sent to the United Methodist Church, 39950 Hwy 94, Rush, CO 80833.

Arrangements under the direction of Swan-Law Funeral Directors, Colorado Springs, CO.