John C. Hoover, North Manchester, passed away Feb. 8, 2020, at Mason Health and Rehabilitation Center, Warsaw. Part of a large family, John was one of seven children born to Raymond Homer and Genevieve (Bauer) Hoover. He was born on March 23, 1929 in Gas City.

After graduating from Jackson Township High School, Wells County, in 1949, John joined the United States Army. He was a Combat Engineer from 1950 to 1956 before he was honorably discharged. John was proud of his service and his country. In fact, many years after serving his country John was only moving around in a wheelchair when the Star-Spangled Banner was sung at a veteran’s event, and John stood up and left the room speechless. This was nearly impossible for John to do on his own, but the love and respect he had for his country gave him the strength to do so.

On April 9, 1951, John married his soulmate, Loreen Landis. The two were wed sixty-one years before Loreen passed away on April 10, 2012. Together they built a beautiful life together and raised their family, which was limited to not only their children but also the chihuahuas they raised and the neighborhood children. For thirty-five years, John worked at Singer-Controls, retiring in 1992. He enjoyed relaxing by tinkering in his garage, woodworking in his woodshop, doing puzzles, and remaking and collecting toy tractors and trains. If anyone drove past his home in the summertime, they could see John tending to his garden or keeping his yard immaculate. However, it is not these things that John will be remembered for. Rather, he was a family man who touched many lives, especially those at Mason Health and Rehabilitation Center. John was a kind and gentle man who had a magnetic personality, always treating others with love and respect.

The loving memory of John C. Hoover will be cherished by his son, Robert (Jacqueline) Hoover, Chattanooga, Tennessee; daughter, Gina (Barry) Parker, Leesburg, Indiana; son-in-law, Robert Gearhart, Silver Lake, Indiana; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughter, Pam Gearhart; and grandson, Eric Miller.

Family and friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 13, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with calling one hour prior to the start of the service at McKee Mortuary. Pastor Denny Bollenbacher will officiate. Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, 1013 State Road 114 West, North Manchester.

For those who wish to honor the memory of John C. Hoover, memorial contributions may be made to Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18901.

Arrangements are entrusted to McKee Mortuary.