Robert Worth Hovater

Robert Worth Hovater passed away peacefully with his family by his side in Seabrook, Texas on February 10, 2012. He was born on July 16, 1933 in Sheffield, Alabama to his parents, Leona Gerber and Noble Worth Hovater. He graduated from Hutchinson High School in Hutchinson, Kansas in 1952. He and his family were proud that he served in the Army, Navy and Air Force from 1952 until 1956, and in the Army Reserves until 1961. After leaving the military, he attended Florence State College. Robert was a member of a professional parachute team called the Dalton Falcons. He spent the last 46 years in the Houston area and lived in Seabrook since 1972. He retired as an Inspector from Polytech in Houston in 2000. Before that, he managed several retail stores in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and then in the Houston area. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading, creating woodworking projects for his home and cheering for Alabama Crimson Tide football.

Robert is survived by his wife of 54 years, Virginia Newman Hovater, daughters Karen Floyd and husband Max, Kristine Mineman and husband Ed, and Lisa Ferraiuolo and husband Alessandro. Robert is also survived by his sister, Nina Barber and husband Curt, and his sister Martha Bell. He is also survived by six grandsons, three granddaughters, two great-granddaughters and two great grandsons and son in law Wayne Gray Sr. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Connie Gray.

All services will be held on Sunday, 12th January, 2012. Visitation will start at 12:00am ending at 2:00pm and Services will follow at Forest Park East Funeral Home. Pallbearers are his grandsons Alex Ferraiuolo, Nick Ferraiuolo, Wayne Gray, Jr., Matthew Gray, Andrew Flanagan and step-grandson Richard Floyd.