William Gerald Hoover

Gerald Hoover

Gerald Hoover, 87, of Gilman, IA, (formerly of Unionville) passed away at the Iowa Veteran’s Hospital in Des Moines, IA, on Thursday, July 31, 2014.

William Gerald Hoover was born in rural Green City, MO, along with twin brother John Harold Hoover, on January 22, 1927, the son of William Forrest and Catherine (Chisel) Hoover, who preceded him in death. He was reared in Sullivan County and married Loraine Irene Lane in Unionville, MO, on February 19, 1944. She preceded him in death on November 7, 2009.

The couple moved from Missouri to Iowa in 1950 where Loraine worked at Van Buren County Hospital and Gerald farmed. He was a typical farmer of that era, raising cattle, hogs, sheep, chickens and crops. Gerald and Loraine moved to Putnam County when Loraine retired in 1990. Four years later they moved to Gilman to be closer to family. Gerald liked to play cards and work on antique furniture. He loved to visit with family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Gerald is survived by two children, Jim Hoover of Rhoads, IA, and Betty Wenke of Prairie City, IA. Surviving grandchildren are Jody Jasper, Terry Wenke, William Bradley Hoover, and Mike Wenke. Eight great grandchildren also survive. Gerald has three surviving half brothers: Loren Hoover, Alfred Hoover, and Pearl Hoover; and three surviving half sisters: Helen Kay Claypool, Virginia (Ginny) Hoover, and Linda Hopper.

Others who preceded Gerald in death are a son, William Jay Hoover, a daughter-in-law, Judy Hoover, Gerald’s twin brother Harold, brothers Ike and Roy Hoover and sister Gladys Spicer. Half brothers Elmer (Bud) Hoover and Joseph Hoover and half sisters Hazel Atkins and Beverly Eddy also preceded Gerald in death.

Funeral services for Gerald Hoover will be at Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, at 1:00 pm on Monday, August 4, 2014, with visitation on Sunday, August 3 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Interment will be at the Dodson Cemetery south of Unionville, MO.

Memorials are suggested to the American Legion Post #34 in Unionville, MO, and may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.