Gary “Hoot” Hoover
Gary “Hoot” Hoover, 77, of Knoxville, Tennessee, formerly of Winamac, passed into eternity at 12:52 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 3 at home after over a 50 year battle with MS. His wife Linda, family, devoted fur babies and beloved caregiver Naomi were present.
He was born Dec. 30, 1943, to the late Charles and Alvina (Meyer) Hoover. Gary graduated from Winamac High School in 1962. His treasured memories there were performing in class plays, designing senior cords, and hanging with his buddies. He married Linda Jones on Dec. 30, 1967, in Winamac. He worked at Plymouth Tube for 18 years.
Gary’s passions were making people laugh with jokes, trains, pizza, vintage cars and trucks, animals (especially cats), cheeseburgers and Linda - varying in order on any given day. When able, he traveled the USA. His favorite places were the Grand Canyon and the Smoky Mountains, ironically moving to the land of the Smokys in 1984. His lifelong dream came true in Knoxville when he got to ride the Three Rivers Rambler steam engine train two times with his best friend and brother-in-law, Don Hill. He and the conductor even traded hats.
Gary’s sense of humor and belly laugh were famous to all who knew him - that won everyone over immediately. He had many caregivers over the years who were smitten by his sweet disposition and laugh.
Gary is survived by his wife Linda; his fur babies; sisters-in-law: Gail [John] Groves and Terri Jones of Knoxville; nieces and nephews: Lorna [Smed] Miller, Lee Hoover, Carol [Ricky] Kline, Al [Cindy] Hoover, Andy Hoover, Ron Hoover, Kim [Doc] Culpepper, Deborah [Dan] Newland, Doug Owens, Michael [Carol] Mills, David [Shawn] Mills, Denise [Gary] Blevins, Michelle [Dave] Malloy, and Don [Lisa] Hill; and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Alvina Hoover; brother Harold; sisters-in-law: Virginia Heidemann, Patricia Owens and Carolyn Johnson; and brothers-in-law: Aaron Heidemann, Charles Owens, Mel Johnson, and Donald Hill.
No formal services are being planned. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to the MS Society, any animal rescue group, or just share a joke with someone that needs a smile.
(Pulaski County Journal — Sept. 15, 2021)