Billy "Bill" Stanley Hoover

Billy Stanley Hoover, 94, Kokomo, Indiana, died peacefully at home on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, 4:05 p.m., surrounded by family and fortified with the sacraments of Holy Mother Church. He was born Dec. 25, 1924, the son of Otis and Hazel (Inbody) Hoover. Bill was the loving husband to his first wife of 24 years, Mary Helen Wilson Hoover, and to his wife of 50 years, Rebecca (Becky) Merrell Snively Hoover, who survives. His surviving children include Shirley (David) Brewster, Sharron Logan, Gracia (Steve) Taylor, Tom Hoover, David (Diane) Snively, Richard (Liz Smith-Snively) Snively, Dee Ann Snively (Kent Ferguson). Bill is also survived by nine grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, three stepgrandchildren, and five stepgreat-grandchildren. They all are located throughout the United States. Bill’s five siblings, Otis, Joy, Jean, Marilyn, and Shirley Ann, along with his parents, Otis and Hazel Hoover, one son-in-law Micheal Logan, one daughter-in-law Eileen Hoover, and one grandchild Molly Hoover, have preceded him in death. As a young man, Bill worked as an auto mechanic in Greentown, Indiana, until he joined the Army at 17 years of age, in the waning years of World War II. He served nearly 30 years and participated in three major conflicts, including tours in Korea and Japan, for which he was recognized with commendations he received during the three conflicts. Bill retired from the Army on May 30, 1968. He rekindled his love of cars and restored many vintage autos in his home garage. He also enjoyed traveling with Becky throughout the states and abroad. Bill also enjoyed watching sports, playing with his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and playing bridge with his wife and their friends. In his earlier years, he and Becky loved to dress up and go out dancing to the Big Band music. He also enjoyed listening and whistling to all kinds of music, but, especially enjoyed the music of Celine Dion. Bill will be greatly missed by his loving wife Becky, and his entire family and friends. Visitation will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Kokomo, with a funeral Mass following at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Father Brian Dudzinski officiating. There will be a private graveside service with military honors following the Mass at Greenlawn Cemetery in Greentown, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to a favorite charity of your choice or to St. Patrick Church. You may read Billy’s obituary at www.ellersmortuarywebster.com, where you can sign the guestbook or share a personal message to the family.