John A. Hoover

On September 26, 2025 John A. Hoover of Covert passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph, MI at the age of 76. John was born June 28, 1949 in South Haven, the son of Murl D. and Frieda A. (Kohlhoff) Hoover, spending his entire life in the Covert area. After graduation, John served in the National Guard and received an honorable discharge. On June 28, 1975 he married his high school sweetheart, Regina M. Austin. Throughout their more than 50 years together, they had three daughters. John enjoyed life and loved his family. As a father, John always made sure his family was taken care of, love was an action that was lived throughout his life. John's love of learning how things worked had him tearing things apart and putting them back together. This opened up a career with Dawson Mfg. where he excelled as their Supervisor of Maintenance. Being full of curiosity and having tons of imagination, he was always up to something. He loved traveling whenever possible, gardening, bird watching, cooking, photography, and mechanics. John also enjoyed flying and woodworking. He even operated his own sawmill, The Hoover Mill. If you needed to find John, he was always in his shop working on or fixing something that would make things easier, better or faster. He maintained his family's cars, helped his neighbors, and completed science projects with his daughters. John believed that nothing was too difficult to tackle and his projects spanned the gamut as a result. John was fun to sit and talk with, as he was a dreamer at heart. Those privileged to be in his presence, would quickly be drawn into conversations imagining possible projects and travels, meanwhile enjoying his special sense of humor. He loved to tell ridiculous jokes and left his family with voicemails and pictures that will keep his humorous side alive. After John’s retirement, he continued to live life on his terms, doing things he was passionate about with his family. He took daily golf cart rides around his property with Regina, spending time by their firepit, watching the turtles in their pond, and gazing at the stars. John had an intelligent mind and was a voracious reader. After losing a leg, he kept on living to the fullest. Never giving up was a way of life. He continued attending family outings, tinkering in his shop, and riding his tractor. John embodied the philosophy of “living in the moment.” He will be missed greatly by his loving family and many friends. Surviving are his wife, Regina M. Hoover; their 3 daughters, Amanda M. (Greg) Miller of Mattawan, Rachel R. (Jesse) Carpenter of Bangor, Heather N. (Terrence) Irvine of Covert; 4 grandchildren, Isis (Jacob) Dailey, Lyra Carpenter, Scarlett Hoover, Truitt Irvine; 3 great-grandchildren, Layla, River, and Noah Dailey; sister, Sharon R. (Rick) Ward of Kalamazoo; sister in law, Margaret E. (Burt) Farley and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters, Carolyn Grant, Marion Sliter; and brother, Murl A. Hoover. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and the family will meet friends on Friday, October 17, from 3-5 p.m. with a memorial service at 5:00 p.m. at the Bangor Chapel, D.L. Miller Funeral Home. A supper will follow from 6-8p.m. at The American Legion in Bangor. The family suggests memorials be made to The American Cancer Society or to a donor's choice.

John A. Hoover

June 28, 1949 - September 26, 2025